Prison and Tragic Events Besiege Veteran with Too Many DUIs

Frederick Raymond Dudley, in custody, appeared for sentencing in the Tenth Judicial District Court on Tuesday, September 17, before Judge Thomas Stockard. Dudley pled guilty last April to Category B Felony of Driving Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Liquor with a Prior Felony Conviction for DUI, which carries a mandatory prison sentence.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Lane Mills told the court that Dudley has honorably served our country and been awarded military awards, including the Bronze Star. Mills said, "He has some acute pancreatitis and a degenerative disease, which is probably very painful." Further, Dudley has three kids, one of whom is just recently deceased in tragic circumstances. Despite these things, there is a public safety issue,” explained Mills, "We have to actually protect our public. The blood alcohol in this case was .26."   

CCPD Jacob Sommer agreed, "The State has pretty fairly set forth Mr. Dudley's history. The court can see the fact that he is a man who served honorably in the US military, [and] was involved in doing good things for all of us." Sommer said his client is embarrassed by his actions, and he does understand this is not acceptable behavior and "that drinking and driving is just not something that can be tolerated because it puts so many people at risk."  Sommer said Dudley accepts full responsibility for his decision to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Expressing gratitude that there were no injuries or an accident, Sommer said, "It could have been much, much worse, but Mr. Dudley is thankful that it wasn't." He also noted his appreciation for the time his client was able to spend with his son as he was passing. Sommer asked the court to consider a minimum sentence.

Dudley addressed the court, stating, "I thank you for letting me, first and foremost, be around my child before he passed away." He said he knew he did wrong, that each drinking incident had been due to a death in his family. "I've been a leader not only in my family but in my career. And I let everyone down," explained Dudley, "I know actions speak more than words, and I know my actions here have not been very well charted after; but they will be." 

Judge Stockard told Dudley, "I have a vivid recollection of your arraignment. I recall the tragic circumstances… the court had extreme hesitancy and a big discussion about the impending death of your son and how fearful I was about relapse. You told me some of those same things you just told me."  

Stockard sentenced Dudley to 52-132 months in a Nevada State Prison and imposed a fine of $2,000. Upon release from prison, Dudley must install a breath interlock on any vehicle he drives for 36 months.