Convicted DUI offender gets more prison time for avoiding sentencing

A convicted man who evaded authorities for more than four months was sentenced earlier this week to three years in prison for drunken driving, according to the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office.

Enrique Moreno, 47, on Monday also was sentenced to an additional eight months in prison for failing to appear for his initial sentencing hearing. He had a prior felony driving under the influence conviction, which elevated his latest DUI charge to a felony.

About 11:40 p.m. on Feb. 23, 2013, Moreno was pulled over by a Stanislaus County sheriff’s deputy for driving on the wrong side of the road on Ninth Street in Modesto. Prosecutors said a California Highway Patrol officer was called to investigate Moreno for suspicion of DUI.

The CHP officer noticed signs of intoxication. Prosecutors said Moreno refused a field sobriety test and admitted that “I’ve had too much to drink.” A blood sample showed his blood-alcohol level to be 0.18 percent, more than twice the legal limit.

On Oct. 21, Superior Court Judge Marie Silveira accepted Moreno’s no-contest plea to the DUI charge and allowed Moreno to remain out of custody pending his sentencing Jan. 8.

Moreno was required to report to the county Probation Department to be interviewed for a sentencing report. During his interview, Moreno admitted to drinking alcohol subsequent to his no-contest plea, according to prosecutors. He also told the probation officer that he had been “dropped off by a friend,” because his driver’s license was suspended. The officer spotted Moreno driving away in his vehicle after the interview.

After failing to appear for the January sentencing, Moreno was apprehended two weeks ago.

Deputy District Attorney Tony Colacito prosecuted the case. His job is funded by a grant provided by the state Office of Traffic Safety.

This story was originally published May 28, 2015 at 3:22 PM with the headline "Convicted DUI offender gets more prison time for avoiding sentencing."