Nevada state senator's wife admits third DUI, gets treatment

[TexasTowelie]

CARSON CITY — A Nevada state senator's wife with two previous drunken driving convictions was sentenced to alcohol treatment after acknowledging to a judge she was driving under the influence when she was stopped and arrested in January.

The Gardnerville Record-Courier reports that if 52-year-old Sherese Settelmeyer completes treatment within five years, her driving under the influence conviction will be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.

If she fails it, she will face one to six years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Settelmeyer was previously convicted of driving under the influence in 2010 and 2013.

Read more: https://lasvegassun.com/news/2017/jun/29/nevada-state-senators-wife-admits-third-dui-gets-t/

She is married to a Republican. If that doesn't drive a person to drink, what will?

[Rhiannon12866]

1. It doesn't give the details, but I wonder if they have "drug treatment court" in Nevada

We have it here in New York and I'm pretty sure it's in other states. Instead of jail, those with DWIs are given the option of "drug court," a pretty tough program that often starts with rehab, sometimes a halfway house, then continues with mandatory counseling, classes, community service, random drug tests, attendance at meetings, "supportive (supervised) living," and weekly appearances before the presiding judge to assess progress. It's a tough program, but it's certainly a better - and more effective - alternative than jail or prison.

[Skittles]

2. that sounds great

addiction is a terrible disease

[Rhiannon12866]

3. I've known a few people who have "graduated" from this program

Some make it and some don't, but it's sure more effective than locking them up ever was. And a lot of them become inspired to work with others - and they become the most effective counselors because they've been there.

[Skittles]

4. it can take many tries

but I believe they learn something each time they try, which can lead to eventual success

[Rhiannon12866]

5. Some days are better than others.

Today I spoke to a couple of people - one I've known for awhile - who are doing very well. I have a friend who turned her life around, decided to back to school at 46. She just graduated, finished her Associates Degree with a 4.0 average. She plans to go back to school in the fall, was accepted for 3 Masters' programs. She plans to go into social work to "pay it forward" so to speak.