High marks for DUI deferral success

One of the first people sentenced under a deferral program to keep drunk drivers out of prison received praise Monday for his progress,

"I wish I had more clients like Thomas Farrahy," said lawyer Tod Young. "He's doing extremely well. He's been sober for 22 months and is really enjoying his sobriety. This is a healthy, vibrant man who is working and doing everything right."

Farrahy, 52, of Gardnerville was arrested July 17, 2007, for his third offense of driving under the influence.

A third conviction in seven years mandates prison unless the defendant is accepted in a deferral program that requires six months house arrest, in-patient treatment, counseling, attendance at a 12-step program, testing, and other conditions.

The participant pays all costs.

A mandatory device on Farrahy's vehicle, which indicates whether he has been drinking or taking drugs, recently was removed after one year.

"You've done extremely well," said District Judge Michael Gibbons. "All I can tell you is that this is a struggle that will never end. You have to wake up committed to it every day."

Farrahy said he was living in an alcohol-free environment with his daughter and girlfriend and he was enjoying his two grandchildren.

"You look 10 times better than you did before," Gibbons said. "You really changed your life. Keep up the good work."