O'Neill man gets three years in prison for 2021 felony DUI

Joshua J. Speth, 39, of O’Neill was sentenced Oct. 24 by the Honorable Mark Kozisec in the Holt County district court in O’Neill on four counts committed July 9, 2021.

Kozisec sentenced Speth to 36 months in a facility under the jurisdiction of the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and 15 years revocation of his driver’s license for a Class 3 felony count of driving under the influence of alcohol, high test, two previous convictions. The charge was reduced from a Class 2 felony (three previous convictions) per terms of a May plea agreement with Holt County attorney Brent Kelly. He was given credit for 37 days previously served in the county jail.

Speth was also fined $50 for possession of an open alcohol container, an infraction; $200 for driving during revocation, a Class 2 misdemeanor; and $50 for improper/defective vehicle lighting, a Class 3 misdemeanor.

He pleaded no contest to all four counts May 9, was found guilty by Kozisec and sentencing was set July 18. It was subsequently continued to Aug. 15, then to Sept. 19, when Speth failed to appear in court. A warrant, issued for his arrest Sept. 24, was served Sept. 26. He was held without bond until sentencing was held.

Providing he loses none of his good time, Speth must serve 18 months, less 37 days, before mandatory release from prison. Incarceration will be followed by 12 months of post-release supervision, including $390 in probation fees.

He was represented by Holt County public defender Rod Smith.