Naples woman gets prison for 5th DUI in 6 years

A Naples woman said her new found faith in Jesus would keep her from drinking before a judge sent her to prison for her fifth DUI in six years.

Judge Steven Verby sentenced Mary Diane Fisher  one to eight years.

Fisher was facing five years to life for her Dec. 23, 2008, DUI arrest, when she had over 3 1/2 times the legal limit of alcohol.  Fisher is also considered a persistent violator.

The 46-year-old has received treatment on three different occasions, according to prosecuting attorney Jack Dougals.  Four out of the five DUI convictions took place while Fisher was on probation.

Fisher spent 108 days in Boundary County Jail while awaiting sentencing.  She was furloughed to attend a program through The Alter Church in Couer d’ Alene.

The Good Samaritan For The Women is a 120-day faith based, 12-step program, designed to prevent relapse, build confidence and maintain a positive outlook and relationship with God.

“Mary did very well in the program she is a great hard worker and wants to do what is right,” said Tim Remington, Pastor of the Alter Church in Coeur d’ Alene.

Several members from the church attended the sentencing hearing to support Fisher.

Fisher spoke about her five DUIs and told the court she was aware of the severe consequences.  Fisher said she was remorseful and embarrassed, her recent treatment was life changing.

“I have seen a definite change in myself, that change would be that I am a Christian person who believes in the Lord,” said Fisher. 

Sarah Woods, attorney for Fisher, told Verby Fisher would not receive the same kind of quality treatment in prison.

“I think she is truly very remorseful and she understands it isn’t just about her, her sobriety is crucial and she understands that,” said Woods.  “The protection of society is the number one concern and there are people who are members of society who are here in support of her.”

According to Douglas, Fisher received her first DUI in 2002.  Six months later, she received a second and was taken off unsupervised probation and put on supervised. 

“You think that would have sent alarm bells off for her that she needs to take it serious and do something to change her life but I didn’t see that happen,”  Douglas said.

Then in 2005, a third  DUI brought her first felony conviction and suspended prison sentence.  In 2007, while on felony probation a fourth DUI ,a second felony and a retained jurisdiction 6-months in a rehabilitation facility and suspended prison sentence.  According to Douglas, Fisher admitted to drinking every day while on probation.  Her fifth DUI brought a third felony conviction a,Douglas brought presistant violator charges up on Fisher for the DUI.

“I think that the message needs to be sent to the community to deter people and that there are serious consequences for people who continue  to pick up DUIs and don’t seem to learn from their past mistakes,” Douglas said.   I think we need to protect the public, we have done about everything we can do that the system allows us to do to get Mary Fisher turned around,” he continued.

“If nothing else the persistent violator statute allows me to say in good conscience at least she wont be out there driving for the next five years or so threatening the public with her conduct.  I am trying to prevent someone from getting  hurt or killed,” Douglas said.