BURNETT COUNTY -- A routine traffic stop for an inoperable headlight has resulted in felony charges of Operating While Intoxicated 5th Offense for Grantsburg man James H. Meyer.
According to the criminal complaint filed against Meyer in Burnett County Circuit Court, shortly before 1:00 AM on September 7, 2018, a Burnett County Sheriff’s Deputy noticed a vehicle travelling through the Village of Grantsburg with a headlight out.
The Deputy stopped the vehicle and identified the driver of the vehicle as James H. Meyer. While talking to Meyer, the Deputy noticed that Meyer’s speech was slurred, and there was a strong odor of alcohol coming from the vehicle. The Deputy could see an empty bottle of Bud Light in the center console of the vehicle. Meyer told the Deputy that he had been drinking since noon and that he had consumed seven beers.
When attempting to retrieve his proof of insurance for the Deputy, Meyer instead produced a fuel receipt from Burnett Dairy Co-Op.
After exiting the vehicle, Meyer agreed to attempt to complete field sobriety testing, however he was not able to successfully complete the tests.
Meyer provided a preliminary breath test sample for the Deputy, the result of which was .217. Meyer was placed under arrest, and he agreed to provide a blood sample for testing. The results of that test are not known to DrydenWire.com at this time.
The criminal complaint filed against Meyer states that he was previously convicted for OWI on August 17, 1992; September 5, 2002; November 12, 2003; and March 6, 2008. If convicted as charged, Meyer faces a possible maximum penalty of not more than 10 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $25,000, or both.
Online circuit court records show that Meyer was placed on a $2,500 signature bail bond at a hearing held on September 7, 2018. He is scheduled to make an initial appearance on his charges in October 2018.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Sep 27, 2018 7:14 am CDT
