The following is a press release from the Ninth Judicial District Attorney:
Ninth Judicial District Attorney, Andrea Reeb, announced William Whitehead, age 60, of Melrose, NM, was found guilty after a one-day jury trial today [Friday] of Aggravated DWI, 6th Offense, a third degree felony.
The jury deliberated less than 15 minutes before returning their guilty verdict. This was a re-trial after the case ended in a hung jury in December of 2017.
In October of 2016, witnesses reported to law enforcement that Whitehead had driven up to a barn in Melrose with a beer in his hand and was being belligerent and refused to leave. The Curry County Sheriff’s Office later found Whitehead intoxicated lying on the floor of his residence. Whitehead admitted to drinking and driving, but refused field sobriety tests or a specimen for testing.
A 6th offense DWI in New Mexico carries a lifetime license revocation with a five year court review; up to 30 months in prison, with 18 months mandatory imprisonment; up to a $5,000 fine; lifetime ignition interlock with a five year review; and other mandatory penalties, fines and conditions.
Assistant District Attorney Kristen Beltran prosecuted the case for the State. Assistant Public Defender, Leah Hutchins represented Whitehead.
(Press release from the Ninth Judicial District Attorney)
