NORWICH – Two individuals were sentenced on driving while intoxicated charges when the Chenango County Court convened for an afternoon session on Monday, Aug. 8.

First Assistant District Attorney Michael D. Ferrarese represented the people of Chenango County in both cases, while The Honorable Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. presided over matters.

• Jeremy W. Wakefield, 31, of Oxford, previously entered pleas of guilty to the charges of aggravated driving while intoxicated, a class D felony; and driving while intoxicated, a class D felony; when he appeared in County Court on March 7, 2016.

It was alleged that Wakefield operated a vehicle at approximately 8:08 p.m., on Sept. 22, 2015, on Adelaide Street in the City of Norwich, while he had .21 of one percentum of alcohol in his bloodstream, as shown by a chemical analysis of his breath. Additionally, it was alleged that he swayed as he walked, had bloodshot and watery eyes, slurred speech, and that his breath smelled of alcoholic beverage.

After his initial court appearance, Wakefield was placed on interim probation, where his performance was monitored. The court heard on Monday that Wakefield performed exceptionally well while on interim probation.

Ferrarese described why Wakefield was given the opportunity for interim probation.

“Judge, Mr. Wakefield was given an opportunity to complete interim probation based on his occupation,” he said. “If he performed well, it would alleviate any incarceration. As a result of his compliance with each and every term (of his interim probation), the people do not oppose no incarceration time for this defendant.”

Ferrarese then spoke to Wakefield directly, saying, “Mr. Wakefield, you know your own record. You must hold yourself accountable. I don't expect to see you in court again.”

Thomas Jackson, who represented Wakefield, requested that the defendant be allowed to vacate his plea of guilty to the second count of driving while intoxicated, to which Ferrarese had no objection.

When given an opportunity to speak on his own behalf, Wakefield said, “I would just like to state that I've tried everything that I can do to make this right for the people.”

Judge Revoir vacated Wakefield's plea of guilty to the driving while intoxicated charge, and sentenced him to serve five years of probation, with credit for time served on interim probation. Along with his sentence, Wakefield will additionally have to pay $1,570 in fines, fess and surcharges, which he was given 18 months to pay in full. Wakefield will also have his driving license revoked for one year, and will be subject to the ignition interlock program, for which he will be assessed 75 percent of the cost.