A 46-year-old Gardnerville man with several prior convictions for driving under the influence was sentenced Monday to four years in Nevada State Prison for felony drunk driving.
District Judge Michael Gibbons told Rene Almanza he must serve 13 months before he is eligible for parole.
"I can't give you the minimum sentence," Gibbons said. "You know how many times you've been in court. You can't control your drinking, you have a tendency to drive when you've been drinking. You put yourself and everyone else in danger."
Almanza's attorney, Tod Young, said his client had grave medical issues which led to the DUI.
"He was despondent about his prospects for survival and it led to the DUI," Young said. "He wants to be sentenced, get it over with, and get on with his life."
Young said Almanza had a history of strokes and had an accident injury. He said his client needs heart surgery.
He said Almanza did not seek the DUI diversion program that seeks to keep drunk drivers out of jail.
"He told me, 'I just don't know how to get by. I have no money and no people to care for me,'" Young said.
Gibbons encouraged Almanza to quit drinking.
"You may not have that much time left. I hope you make the most of it," Gibbons said.
