Roanoke man to serve mandatory two years for DUI convictions in New Kent

A Roanoke man will spend the next two years after accepting a plea deal to crimes related to driving while under the influence.

Christopher Lee Tazewell, 37, entered guilty pleas to one count each of DUI after being convicted of a previous DUI felony offense, DUI driving revoked as the result of a DUI felony conviction, and misdemeanor refusing to take a breathalyzer test.

In a summary of evidence, on Dec. 22, 2019, a Virginia State Trooper was monitoring traffic at mile marker 217 on Interstate 64. The trooper passed a vehicle on the right shoulder of the road and assumed the vehicle had stopped temporarily.

Approximately three hours later, the trooper drove by the area again and noticed the same vehicle still sitting there and pulled over to investigate. Upon a closer inspection, he noticed the vehicle was running with its headlights and signal lights on. The trooper approached the driver, who was now identified as Tazewell. When questioning the defendant, the trooper noticed bloodshot eyes. The defendant said he had pulled over because of his dogs and told the trooper that he had a drink approximately two hours before. A subsequent check on Tazewell’s background revealed that his license was revoked due to DUI related convictions and he was subsequently arrested. When the defendant was taken to jail, he refused a breathalyzer test. Eventually, results discovered that Tazewell’s blood-alcohol content was .012, nearly one-and-a-half times the legal limit.

Under the plea agreement, Tazewell received identical sentences of five years with four years suspended on both DUI felony charges, with the one year to serve on each charge mandatory time to be served under state statute. All 12 months were suspended on the misdemeanor failing to take a breathalyzer test. He must also pay a fine of $1,000 and an additional $50 to the Trauma fund.

In another case, a Richmond woman will serve two months in jail after pleading guilty to a forgery charge as part of an agreement.
Georgette Carlette Williams, 32, entered guilty pleas to one count each of forgery/uttering of a public document and misdemeanor identification theft. One count of forgery of a public record was dropped as part of the deal.

In a summary of evidence, on March 18, 2018, Williams was pulled over during a traffic stop and did not have her license. The defendant provided false information to the trooper and was released on a summons. A background search discovered that the information provided to the trooper was incorrect and Williams was eventually found and arrested on the charges.

Under the agreement, Williams received a 10-year sentence with nine years, 10 months suspended (two months to serve) on the uttering conviction. All 12 months on the misdemeanor identification theft charge was suspended. She must also pay a fine of $250.