Year in jail on drug, DUI charges

A 31-year-old Gardnerville Ranchos woman was sentenced Tuesday to one year in Douglas County Jail to be followed by a diversion program designed to keep drunk drivers out of prison.

Katherine E. Hurwitz pleaded guilty to her third driving under the influence offense in the past seven years.

District Judge Dave Gamble sentenced Hurwitz to a year in jail for an additional charge of possession of a dangerous drug without a prescription.

The last 90 days of that sentence are to be spent in an inpatient treatment program.

That's to be followed by admission to the 3-5-year DUI court.

"I have not seen this sort of ramping up of charges very often," Gamble said. "This is a chance and the best chance for you to have a life."

Hurwitz was arrested Nov. 14, 2009, after she sideswiped a parked ambulance with the mirror on her vehicle. In addition to prosecution for felony driving under the influence, Hurwitz was terminated from drug court to which she was sentenced for her prescription charge.

Her blood-alcohol content was .093, just over the legal limit of .08 for driving.

While awaiting adjudication, Hurwitz was arrested in February for driving with an invalid license. She is to appear on that charge Wednesday in East Fork Justice Court.

Prosecutor Laurie Trotter recommended up to five years in Nevada State Prison.

"I'm concerned about the public safety issue," Trotter said. "Ms. Hurwitz has a strong propensity to drive while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The state sees this as very serious. I understand addiction, but I have to be concerned about public safety."

Hurwitz apologized for her actions.

"I could have killed somebody," she said. "I had a major divine intervention. I was saved, my eyes were opened. No matter what happens to me here today, I am committed to my recovery. I want to clean up the wreckage of my past life."

Gamble said he was ready to send Hurwitz to prison which he said she deserved, but he had a change of heart.

"When I see a person who has changed the way they think - who says no matter what happens, they're committed to sobriety - that's what I wanted to hear," Gamble said, adding, "It's not a magic bullet for those who will appear here next week."