Billings Woman Gets DUI After High Speed Chase
By Virginia L. Landry
Mar. 9, 2011 4:41p
51-Year Old Woman Faces Prison Time For DUI
After nearly causing multiple collisions, police chased Sheila Faye Beggs, 51, at high speed, before finally subduing and arresting her. She has been sentenced to incarceration for her crimes.
District Judge Russell Fagg ordered that the defendant be sentenced to 6 years in prison for a felony endangerment charge, with a concurrent sentence of 6 months jail for the misdemeanor DUI. She pled guilty to both counts, throwing herself on the mercy of the court, which proved to be less than lenient.
Of his motivations for the harsh sentence, Fagg said he felt that Beggs needed to be sent to prison thanks in part to her extensive previous criminal record. She had been convicted of multiple felonies in the past, including drug possession, two
burglary charges, and a conviction of
assault with a deadly weapon. Beggs says that this previous history stemmed from her addiction to Methamphetamines, which she has since kicked.
Her most recent charge, however, was fueled by another drug binge, she admitted, this time mixing alcohol with pain medication. Beggs asked the court to consider her reform, saying she has a supportive church group that has helped her get clean.
High Speed Chase Nearly Ends Tragically
Police were first alerted when at least three drivers called police to report an erratic and possibly drunken driver. Beggs was reported to have nearly collided with several other vehicles, at one point driving on the sidewalk.
Officers located Beggs driving east on Interstate 90. After a high-speed chase that at times exceeded 90 miles per hour, Beggs narrowly avoided a crash as she exited the interstate at south 27th street, before coming to a stop. An officer was able to approach her vehicle, reach inside, and put it in park just in time to prevent her speeding off again.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
If you have been charged with a DUI or reckless driving offense, it is important that you contact a competent Santa Anna criminal defense attorney immediately. The Law Offices of Apkarian and Zalewski have represented countless clients in all manner of criminal cases. Our attorneys offer each and every client a passionate, aggressive defense, tailored to the specifics of his or her case.
Contact a Santa Anna DUI defense lawyer before it is too late!
