Eureka man in court to face fourth DUI

A 33-year-old Eureka man, Joshua Degeal, pleaded not guilty Thursday in Flathead District Court to what would be his fourth offense of drunk driving.

According to a court document, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper responded to a single-vehicle rollover accident on Nov. 12 and was advised by firefighters on the scene that a man had just driven through the crash scene, possibly drunk.

The trooper caught up to the vehicle after it drifted partially out of the lane twice.

Degeal, the driver, allegedly was unsteady on his feet, walked with a slight stagger and reportedly told the trooper he had been drinking.

Degeal then allegedly failed field sobriety tests.

One of Degeal’s previous convictions for drunk driving came in December 1998, with the remaining two in June 1999.

If convicted of the felony charge, Degeal faces up to five years in prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000. His next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2013.