Probation was revoked Wednesday for a 37-year-old Gardnerville woman who had been drinking in violation of her suspended sentence for a second conviction of driving under the influence.
East Fork Justice Jim EnEarl imposed a 175-day sentence for Dawn Oxley who pleaded with him to send her home to care for her three children.
Oxley, who faces an additional felony drug possession charge, said she had been using alcohol as an escape since the February 2008 murder of her ex-husband Benjamin Oxley.
"I was stressed," Oxley said, admitting she drank on Oct. 22.
"That's what you said after you got your first DUI," EnEarl said.
"I realize now alcohol is not the answer," Oxley said. "It's been my escape for the last year and I can't use it anymore. I would like to go home to my children. I don't want to spend the next six-to-nine months in jail."
Benjamin Oxley was shot to death in his Johnson Lane home on Feb. 21, 2008. His killer has not been captured.
The Oxleys were divorced.
When Dawn Oxley was arrested Oct. 22, jail personnel discovered she was carrying methcarbamol, a muscle relaxant for which she had no prescription.
She was charged with possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription, a felony.
EnEarl appointed Tod Young to represent her and ordered Oxley back to court on Nov. 4.
"Your argument is you are a single parent and every time you face stress you get drunk. You can't use your children as an excuse," EnEarl said.
