Fairview Heights, Ill (The Weekly Vice) -- ThInGs ArE lOokInG fuZzy in Fairview Heights, Illinois, where one Mr. Jessie James Hogan continued driving in freedom until he was finally caught driving drunk for the 13th time.
Jessie James Hogan, a 46 year old Belleville, Illinois man has been arrested and charged with his 13th DUI arrest within three states, according to court records.
Hogan continued in freedom, and continued to drive - despite a 15 page criminal history, a revoked driver's license, an outstanding arrest warrant and 7 previous drunk driving convictions.
Despite Hogan's staggering record and previous drunk driving convictions, court records reveal that he has spent a combined total of just 10 months in jail.
According to records, Hogan's first DUI arrest in Illinois was treated as a first offense because the state was unaware of his previous convictions in neighboring states, according to one official. Other offenses were listed as misdemeanors, despite Hogan's lengthy history.
"I'm just speechless, to be honest," said Trish Clegg, a spokesperson for Mother's Against Drunk Driving. "I haven't heard of someone having that many," she added.
In Hogan's last (12th) drunk driving arrest, he wrecked his vehicle in a single car crash. Illinois state police stated that Hogan smelled of alcohol and had an open container in the car. He was promptly charged with a crime - but it was a misdemeanor charge.
A person with three or more drunk driving convictions is normally charged with a felony. Hogan was released from jail after posting 10% of a $3,000 bond.
Clair County prosecutors are now re-evaluating two DUI charges that are still pending against Hogan. In an attempt to explain the embarrassing oversight of Hogan's record, Haida cited a lack in cooperation between state law enforcement agencies in sharing records.
Hogan's luck may be running out however. On June 1st, 2008, a new law strengthen penalties against repeat offenders took effect in Illinois. The law states that a person with six or more DUI convictions should be charged as a "Class X" felony, with a prison term of up to 30 years.
Hogan remains in the St. Clair County Jail in Belleview, Illinois. We were unable to determine if bail had been set in the current case.
Danny Vice
The Weekly Vice
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