Thomas sentenced for DWI

Wednesday, July 1, 2015 - 12:09

Matthew Thomas

GUILDERLAND — A Schenectady man was sentenced on Tuesday to one-and-a-third to four years in state prison by Judge Thomas Breslin in Albany County Court for felony driving while intoxicated.

Matthew Thomas, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated driving while intoxicated on April 29, according to a release from the Albany County District Attorney’s office.

He was arrested on Jan. 31, at approximately 2:45 a.m., after Guilderland Police received a report of an erratic driver, and observed him failing to keep right on Western Avenue.

When Thomas was stopped, officers noted a strong odor of alcohol, and he failed field sobriety tests, the release said.

A review of his history revealed he was operating his vehicle on a revoked non-driver identification and had a previous suspension due to driving while intoxicated.

He registered a blood alcohol content of .21 on a chemical test.

In addition to his prison sentence, Thomas was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine; be subject to a license revocation of at least 18 months; install an Interlock Ignition Device in his car for at least three years upon release of custody; and attend a Victim Impact Panel, said the release. 

The case was prosecuted by Vehicular Crimes Unit Bureau Chief Mary Tanner-Richter.

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