Wednesday, November 3, 2010

DUI trial set for Torres-Martinez

Driving privileges suspended; defendant free on bond

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

Shoshone resident Rosendo Torres-Martinez pleaded not guilty to a charge of felony drunk driving in an arraignment Oct. 25 in Blaine County 5th District Court.

Defense attorney Christopher Simms submitted the plea on behalf of his client and requested that Torres have his driving privileges restored leading up to a Feb. 8 trial date.

Torres is currently free on a $25,000 bond with a suspended driver's license. Blood test results from his most recent DUI arrest were still pending. Deputy Prosecutor Matthew Fredback said Torres had prior DUIs dating back to 1994 and that, although he understood the hardship facing him getting to work, Torres poses a "present threat to the community."

Judge Robert J. Elgee, who inherited the case from Judge R. Ted Israel, said he didn't know if the court had the authority to suspend Torres' driving license and said it may be an issue for the Legislature.

"The judge could have set the bond at $200,000 because he could have found Torres dangerous in the drinking and driving department." Elgee said.

Simms said he would submit a motion regarding the driving issue while his client is free on bond and barred from driving.

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