Flandreau man gets 90 days in jail for 2011 DUI

A Flandreau man was sentenced Tuesday to 90 days in jail for second-offense drunken driving.

Charles Baechler, 54, was arrested for drunken driving on Oct. 16, 2011, about 10 miles north of Mount Vernon. His blood alcohol content was found to be 0.118 around the time of his arrest. The state limit is 0.08.

He initially pleaded not guilty to third-offense drunken driving, but changed his plea to guilty to the reduced charge during court Tuesday at the Davison County Public Safety Center.

Baechler chose to immediately proceed to sentencing. Deputy State’s Attorney Bob O’Keefe recommended Baechler receive 180 days in jail, with 90 days suspended.

Baechler told Judge Rodney Steele he realized he has a problem with alcohol, but believes he can overcome it.

“I don’t think about alcohol,” he said. “I know what alcohol has done to me.”

Steele sentenced Baechler to 180 days in jail, with 90 days suspended, fined him $400 and revoked his driver’s license for one year. Baechler will also spend one year on probation, during which he will have to participate in the state 24/7 Sobriety program.

Steele is allowing Baechler to serve his jail time in 30-day periods in December, March and August to accommodate his work schedule as head coach of USA Swimming in Watertown.

He is the former coach of the Mitchell Aquatic Club.

Tags: drunken driving, news, updates, crime, dui, flandreau, courts