Six time DWI offender arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated
A man is in jail after allegedly driving while intoxicated in Callaway County.
Rodney Garnett gave deputies a fake name and stated he had a valid driver’s license when he was pulled over early Sunday morning.
Garnett is a six time DWI offender whose license is revoked.
Garnett’s bond is set at $25,000 cash only for being a chronic DWI offender and $5,089 in surety bonds.
He is being held in the Callaway County Jail.
Garnett spent two years in prison for his six DWIs.
While Garnett is still in jail on Monday night it is a safety concern knowing some DWI offenders’ licenses are not revoked immediately after posting bond.
“I can see how people think it is scary, but it is also scary for an individual who may be innocent of those charges and wants the opportunity to defend themselves,” said Bogdan Susan, a Columbia attorney.
Susan told ABC 17 News their license would not be suspended for at least 15 days. They can also appeal that – keeping their license even longer.
In some cases even if it’s a third DWI.
“You could lock somebody up, but eventually they are going to get out. And I think it’s important that we try to help that person get help and back into the community,” said Susan.
Brouck Jacobs, Boone County assistant prosecutor, told ABC 17 News even with first time DWI offenders, they go through a substance abuse program.
Third time offenders usually lose their license for 10 years and can go through a DWI court program.
“They are allowed to drive on a limited basis but they do have to give urine samples and if they are driving they have to have ignition interlock,” said Jacobs.
Ignition interlock devices are breathalyzer tests that have to be passed for the car to start.
“With the ignition interlock devices, we find if you give them a license and trust them provided that they are no longer drinking and making better choices, that device will help keep them honest as well as help make sure they are safe,” said Susan.
