Dillwyn woman receives year-long jail term for DUI in New Kent

A Dillwyn woman who drove under the influence of alcohol will serve a year in jail after pleading guilty during Monday morning proceedings in New Kent Circuit Court.

Mimi Yvonne Dunkum, 49, of the 100 block of Old Route 15 Lane, admitted guilt to one count of DUI (third or subsequent offense) as part of a plea agreement. One count of misdemeanor driving revoked and driving with an open container of alcohol were dropped as part of the plea deal.

In a summary of evidence by New Kent Commonwealth’s Attorney Scott Renick, on June 14, 2023, New Kent Sheriff’s Office was called for a request of service for a person sleeping behind the wheel at the Pilot Travel Plaza on Emmaus Church Road. When a deputy arrived, they noticed the driver, later identified as Dunkum, slumped over the steering wheel. The officer knocked on the window and when it was opened by the driver, a strong odor of alcohol emitted from the vehicle. The deputy asked Dunkum to step out the car and conducted a field sobriety test. Dunkum failed the test and was arrested.

The deputy noticed an open container of alcohol in the vehicle upon the investigation. A blood drawn sample was taken from Dunkum with her blood-alcohol content registering more than the legal limit allowed. A background search on the defendant’s history discovered that she had committed two similar offenses in the past.

Under the plea agreement, Dunkum received a five-year sentence with four years suspended (one year to serve) on the DUI conviction. She must also pay a fine of $1,000.