New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 29, 2024

Driving intoxicated in New Kent lands man two-year jail term

By Andre Jones | December 11, 2017 11:48 am

A Mechanicsville man will serve a minimal mandatory two years in jail after receiving formal sentencing on two felony charges as part of Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Darren Wright Snyder, 46, of the 9300 block of Howard Drive, received one year active terms on one charge each of felony driving revoked/endangerment and felony DUI after being previously convicted of a similar offense. At an Aug. 28 trial, Snyder entered guilty pleas to both of the crimes.

Just before midnight on Dec. 2, 2016, a New Kent deputy observed a truck traveling east on Route 60 and pass another vehicle before making an erratic change to cut off the vehicle. The officer observed the truck cross the outside boundary six times before a traffic stop was initiated. As Snyder, who was identified the driver, attempted to exit the vehicle, he left it in reverse and nearly struck the officer’s car. The deputy smelt alcohol and conducted a field sobriety test, which Snyder failed. A background search revealed that Snyder had a revoked license that stemmed from an earlier DUI conviction.

Snyder received a five-year jail sentence, with four years suspended on each of the two charges (two years active to serve total). He must also pay a $1,000 fine.