A Lakewood man faces up to 30 years in prison after he was convicted of his fifth driving under the influence conviction where two children were in his car when he was stopped.
Daniel R. Meyers, 55, of Lakewood, was charged in April 2023 with aggravated driving under the influence fifth offense, aggravated driving under the influence, obstructing justice and two counts of child endangerment.
Prosecutors said Meyers was driving a vehicle with two juvenile passengers around 10:30 p.m. on April 28, 2023.
An officer with the Lakewood Police Department was on patrol and spotted Meyers driving erratically.
Meyers committed improper lane usage and was speeding, leading to a traffic stop, prosecutors said.
During the stop, officers learned Meyers’ driving privileges were revoked.
They also asked him to perform field sobriety tests based on physical observations but he refused.
A search warrant was obtained for his blood but Meyers refused to cooperate with the warrant for blood collection, according to court documents.
A two-day bench trial was held in the case last week and McHenry County Judge Mark Gerhardt found Meyers guilty of aggravated driving under the influence fifth offense, a Class 1 felony.
The charge carries four to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Based on Meyers’ criminal history, which includes nine prior arrests and four prior convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol, he could be subject to extended-term sentencing, prosecutors said.
Extended term sentencing is between 10-30 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 1.
Following the verdict, McHenry County State’s Attorney Patrick Kenneally recognized the investigation work performed by Officer Jake Bardi and Sergeant Kevin Doherty of the Lakewood Police Department.