DRINKING NETS IMBRECHT JAIL SENTENCE.Byline: Jesse Hiestand Daily News Staff Writer Former state Energy Commissioner Charles Imbrecht was sentenced Friday to 60 days in jail for consuming alcohol, a violation of his probation for a 1996 drunk driving conviction. Imbrecht, 48, did not appear in Ventura Municipal Court for the brief sentencing hearing, which came four days after he admitted the violation through his attorney, Bill Tomasi. ``Abstaining from alcohol when you're an alcoholic is an incredible dilemma,'' Tomasi said outside court. ``I believe that he has been completely committed to sobriety since his last offense, when he hit rock bottom.'' Tomasi had suggested his client be spared jail time by getting credit for the five months he has spent in treatment programs in the Sacramento area. Prosecutors argued for 120 days in jail. In choosing the middle ground of a 60-day sentence, Judge Steven Hintz left open the possibility that Imbrecht can avoid jail by serving on a work-furlough program when he turns himself in to officials Feb. 23. ``There's a very good chance he'll be accepted in work furlough fur·lough n. 1. a. A leave of absence or vacation, especially one granted to a member of the armed forces. b. A usually temporary layoff from work. c. ,'' Tomasi said. Hintz delayed an immediate imposition of the sentence on the condition that Imbrecht, a former three-term assemblyman as·sem·bly·man n. A man who is a member of a legislative assembly. assemblyman Noun pl -men a member of a legislative assembly Noun 1. for Ventura County, remain in an outpatient treatment program. Imbrecht's third drunk driving arrest occurred in December 1996, when police spotted his car weaving weaving, the art of forming a fabric by interlacing at right angles two or more sets of yarn or other material. It is one of the most ancient fundamental arts, as indicated by archaeological evidence. through traffic in Ventura. They also found a small amount of marijuana marijuana or marihuana, drug obtained from the flowering tops, stems, and leaves of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa (see hemp) or C. indica; the latter species can withstand colder climates. in the car. A month later, Imbrecht resigned as chairman of the state Energy Commission, a post he had held for 14 years since being appointed by Gov. George Deukmejian Courken George Deukmejian, Jr. (born July 6, 1928) is an American Republican politician from California, the thirty-fifth Governor of California (1983-1991), and a former California Attorney General (1979-1983). . He pleaded guilty to drunk driving in March 1997, and was sentenced to 40 days in jail. Prosecutors dropped the drug possession charge, but Imbrecht was prohibited pro·hib·it tr.v. pro·hib·it·ed, pro·hib·it·ing, pro·hib·its 1. To forbid by authority: Smoking is prohibited in most theaters. See Synonyms at forbid. 2. from consuming or possessing alcohol. Prosecutors say he violated vi·o·late tr.v. vi·o·lat·ed, vi·o·lat·ing, vi·o·lates 1. To break or disregard (a law or promise, for example). 2. To assault (a person) sexually. 3. those terms by purchasing alcohol in April 1997 and having alcohol on his breath when Ventura County probation officers probation officer n. 1. An official usually attached to a juvenile court and charged with the care of juvenile delinquents. 2. An official charged with supervising convicts at large on suspended sentence or probation. contacted Imbrecht in Ventura in September. Imbrecht represented Ventura County in the state Assembly from 1976 to 1982 before running unsuccessfully for the state Senate. As head of the state Energy Commission, he was responsible for approving sites for new power plants, forecasting the state's energy needs and encouraging conservation. |
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