Sheridan Man Receives Split Sentence for Felony DUI

A Sheridan man was sentenced for felony DUI in Fourth Judicial District Court in Sheridan Thursday. Sheridan Media’s Ron Richter has the details.

Juan Cardenas was arrested on April 4 in Sheridan and charged with felony driving under the influence after an officer with the Sheridan Police Department responded to a report of a single motorcycle crash near the intersection of West 5th Street and Mydland Road. Cardenas crashed the motorcycle, resulting in serious, extensive injuries to the female passenger. The motorcycle did not belong to Cardenas and his license was suspended at the time of the crash due to previous DUI convictions. The motorcycle was traveling at an estimated speed of 60 to 70 mph at the time of the crash.

At a change of plea hearing in District Court on September 22, Cardenas, pursuant to a plea agreement reached with the State, pleaded guilty to the charge of felony DUI – causing serious bodily injury. The prosecution recommended that a second felony DUI charge be dismissed as part of the plea agreement. The second charge was the result of Cardenas having three previous DUI convictions, and the latest charge would have resulted in four DUI’s in a 10-year period, which is a felony in Wyoming.

At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, District Court Judge Darci Phillips deviated from the plea agreement and sentenced Cardenas to 4 to 7 years in prison, suspended in lieu of a six-month split sentence and five years of supervised probation. Cardenas must also successfully complete the felony drug court program following his release from the Sheridan County Detention Center.  Judge Phillips ordered Cardenas to pay $375 in court costs and fees, a $2,000 fine and $6,103.15 in restitution to the victim. Cardenas received credit for one day of time served.