Cook County Circuit Court Judge John Scotillo sentenced 55-year-old Norridge resident Jozef Stepkowski to a ten-year prison sentence for his seventh DUI, the Daily Herald reports.
Mr. Stepkowski's Chicago DUI attorney, "Doc" Elliot Pollock, tried unsuccessfully to elicit sympathy from the judge by discussing his client's diabetes, high blood pressure, and recent prostate cancer diagnosis; in addition to alcohol-related problems. His plea to Judge Scotillo was quoted by the Herald:
"Mr. Stepkowski has had a tumultuous relationship with alcohol in the past. He has serious issues with alcohol and would benefit greatly from a treatment plan."
It also was reported that Mr. Stepkowski claimed he was at home when his car rear-ended and injured another motorist on the morning of June 15, 2008 before the driver fled the scene.
Neither argument persuaded Judge Scotillo to go easy; he reportedly cited state law required a minimum prison sentence of six years and a maximum of 30 years "for someone convicted of seven DUIs." Mr. Stepkowski was found guilty of aggravated DUI, failure to report an accident with injuries, and driving on a revoked license.
Curiously absent was a charge for fleeing the scene of an accident, which prosecutors claim that Mr. Stepkowski did, the Herald reports.
Mr. Stepkowski's DUI arrest record stretches back to 1986. Judge Scotillo, as reported by the Herald, noted that Mr. Stepkowski has four total felony convictions, including armed robbery, aggravated battery, felony DUI, and driving with a revoked license. He also has four convictions for driving with a revoked license where alcohol was not involved.
Related Resources:
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Felony Drunk Driving (FindLaw)
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DUI - Sentencing (FindLaw)
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Chicago DUI Lawyer Directory (FindLaw)
