Tuxedo man convicted of DWI after four-day jury trial

On Monday, May 13, Michael Sutherland, 61, of Tuxedo, was convicted following a four-day jury trial in the Warwick Town Court of driving while intoxicated, Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler announced. Sutherland is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2024.

According to court records, on September 26, 2022, Warwick police officers saw Sutherland “moving unsafely from his lane of travel.” After pulling him over, the officers reported seeing signs of intoxication and Sutherland admitted to drinking. Sutherland also failed all three field sobriety tests he was asked to perform. After being arrested, Sutherland submitted to a chemical test to determine his blood alcohol content, which was over the legal limit at 0.11%.

Hoovler thanked the Warwick Police Department for its investigation and the arrest of Sutherland.

“We all deserve to travel our shared roadways free of intoxicated drivers,” said Hoovler. “This defendant decided to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while intoxicated, instead of calling for a taxi or arranging for a safe alternative. By doing so, this defendant chose to place his interests before those of society and I am grateful that the jury in this case held him responsible for his actions. I commend the dedicated work of the town of Warwick Police who patrol our streets to make sure that they are safe for us all. My office will continue to prioritize intoxicated and impaired driving cases.”

Hoovler also commended Assistant District Attorneys Anthony Molina and Kevin Sharp who prosecuted the case.