Late in the evening of July 25, 2010, three Washington State Troopers were working an accident investigation scene in the south part of Stevens County. The Troopers were from Spokane County because Troopers from Stevens County were working in the northern part of the county. As they were working the scene, an auto, driven by James Richard Fielder, drove up and attempted to drive on through the investigation area, despite the presence of the well lit Troopers cars and traffic cones.

The troopers managed to flag him down and get him stopped. When the first Trooper approached the vehicle and spoke with Mr. Fielder, he noticed obvious signs of alcohol consumption. An investigation resulted in his arrest for DUI. When taken to the station, he was offered the breath test and decided to refuse the test.

Mr. Fielder decided to exercise his right to a trial by jury. The trial was last week and lasted two days. All three Troopers testified that as a result of their contact with Mr. Fielder, they had formed the opinion he was intoxicated at the time of driving. Mr. Fielder testified that while he had been drinking, he was not intoxicated. The jury deliberated for a little over two hours and found him guilty. The jury also made a finding that he had refused the breath test. This has implications with the Department of Licensing. This was his second DUI. He was given the minimum jail sentence by Judge Tviet. Lech Radzimski and Angell Punch represented the State and Dominic Bartoletta represented Mr. Fielder.

Another trial is going on at this time. Mr. Leonard Boston is being tried on a charge of Delivery of Heroin and other related charges. The trial started about two weeks ago and was recessed for one week and then began again last week. The jury has heard evidence over a period of two days and was sent home on Friday at about 5 pm for the weekend. They are to begin again on Monday by hearing the closing arguments of the State and the Defense attorney. The Prosecutor is Deric Martin with help from Lech Radzimski and the Defense attorney is Peter Jones. Mr. Boston testified during the trial.