A 56-year-old Steamboat Springs man has been found guilty of Felony DWAI, Careless Driving, and Driving after Revocation Prohibited. It was the fourth conviction for an alcohol-related driving offense for Franklin Montgomery, and he had had six restraints on his driver’s license. Montgomery faces up to six years in the Colorado State Penitentiary and a fine of up to $500,000. Sentencing is in District Court on July 2.
Press release from the 14th Judicial District; May 1, 2024.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS MAN CONVICTED OF FELONY DWAI
Routt County, Colorado –
After a three-day jury trial in Routt County District Court, today a Routt County jury convicted Steamboat Springs resident Franklin Montgomery, 56, of Felony DWAI, Careless Driving and Driving After Revocation Prohibited. The DWAI, Montgomery’s fourth conviction for an alcohol related driving offense, is a class 4 felony and is punishable by up to six (6) years in the state penitentiary and/or a fine up to $500,000. The remaining convictions are traffic offenses punishable by sentences in the county jail. A presentence report will be prepared by state officials, and Mr. Montgomery will be sentenced in District Court on July 2, 2024. The case number is 23CR73.
The convictions are a result of an incident on July 17, 2023, on Routt County Road 33. Mr. Montgomery sideswiped another vehicle as he passed the vehicle in a no passing zone. Montgomery then drove off the road into a ditch, and was contacted by the driver of the vehicle he hit before he left the scene, and was observed to be intoxicated. Law enforcement identified Mr. Montgomery from information the victim of the crash was able to provide, and, having had prior encounters with him, knew where to locate him. When contacted later by law enforcement, Mr. Montgomery was attempting to repair some of the damage that had occurred when he sideswiped the other vehicle. Law enforcement also observed signs of alcohol impairment, and confirmed Mr. Montgomery was classified as a habitual traffic offender and had six active restraints on his driver’s license
The case involved both the Routt County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado State Patrol, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation’s Forensic Laboratory, and was prosecuted at trial by Deputy District Attorney Joseph Bucci.
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