Local man pleads guilty to his fourth DUI

A 30-year-old Kalispell man pleaded guilty to his fourth offense of driving under the influence Thursday during Flathead District Court.

On Nov. 4, 2011, a Columbia Falls police officer stopped Justin Stevens on U.S. 2 west of town for erratic driving. When the officer approached the vehicle he saw a can of Twisted Tea, an alcoholic beverage, in Stevens’ cup holder.

The officer reported Stevens smelled of alcohol and failed field sobriety tests.

According to court documents, during the tests Stevens told the officer “(Expletive) it, you got me, take me to jail.” Stevens struggled during the arrest, and it took two officers to handcuff him and put him in a patrol vehicle.

His prior DUI convictions were in October 2002, March 2003 and November 2008.

He faces 13 months in a residential alcohol treatment program or correctional facility and a consecutive sentence of up to five years that may be suspended as well as a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000. His sentencing is scheduled for March 15.