A 22-year-old Gardnerville man was accepted Tuesday into a program to keep felony drunk drivers out of prison after he pleaded guilty to his third DUI charge, two of the convictions involving heroin.
Abrahm Viles served 90 days in jail and completed a residential treatment program since his arrest July 23 after a traffic stop in the Gardnerville Ranchos.
"I was under the influence of heroin. I was driving and I got pulled over," Viles said.
He had a previous conviction for driving under the influence of heroin and one for driving under the influence of alcohol at age 19.
"I was an addict," he told District Judge Dave Gamble. "I am very active in my recovery."
Attorney Tod Young said the second conviction was pending when Viles was arrested for the third.
The district attorney's office did not oppose Viles' request to participate in the 3-5-year diversion program.
"We have a heroin addict going into an alcohol program when there is a drug court side-by-side," Gamble said. "Will he get what he needs?"
Young said his client had to maintain continuing aftercare, testing and monitoring.
"He still lives with his parents," Young said. "He is not allowed to drive. His mother or father take him everywhere he goes. He has a good bit of sobriety and support from his family. They are very interested in his recovery. His parents have had no involvement in controlled substances ever."
Gamble told Viles he had two choices if he continued to use: Death or prison for the rest of his life.
"Life is work, life is difficult. There are wonderful parts of life you miss if you use heroin. This is your one chance," Gamble said.
