Kalispell man pleads not guilty to charge of his fourth DUI

 A Kalispell man has pleaded not guilty to what would be his fourth offense of driving under the influence.

Jeremy Norenberg, 34, entered the plea Thursday in Flathead District Court.

According to a court document, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was dispatched Oct. 21, 2012, to a one-vehicle crash on Bierney Creek Road. He spoke with a passenger who allegedly said Norenberg and all of the passengers had been drinking and Norenberg lost control and crashed.

The trooper reported his belief that Norenberg failed to turn at a “T” in the road at Clothier Lane, that Norenberg had instead driven straight and struck concrete barriers. He also reported observing alcohol containers inside the car and around the area of the crash.

Norenberg allegedly smelled of alcohol when the trooper later talked to him at the hospital. He also allegedly admitted he had been drinking alcohol, and a blood test at the hospital reportedly showed Norenberg’s blood-alcohol level was at more than 1 1/2 times the legal limit.

If convicted, Norenberg faces up to five years in prison and a fine of between $1,000 and $10,000.

Norenberg was originally jailed and his bond set at $20,000, but he was later released.

His next hearing is set for Oct. 30.