Man Charged in Angelo's Crash Has History of Drunken Driving

Court records on the man arrested and charged in the show a history of alcohol-related charges.

Michael P. Murphy, of Ridgewood Avenue, was formally charged Monday with operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) and failure to control.

But he's no stranger to the courtroom.

Since 1991, Murphy has been charged with eight total counts of drunken driving on six different occasions, according to records. He’s been convicted of five counts of OVI – including one tied to a 2008 car accident – one count of driving while under the influence and one open container violation. Records show Murphy has been fined a total of $4,900 and sentenced to 290 days in jail for those convictions.

Murphy’s driver’s license was suspended on each conviction, but records also show charges of driving on a suspended license, improper license or failure to produce a license.

Clerk of Court Terri O’Neill declined to comment on any of Murphy’s cases. She said he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday, and his pre-trial hearing is set for Nov. 15.

The vast majority of Murphy’s jail sentences were suspended, according to records, for “lack of jail facilities.”

Of the 290 days Murphy’s been sentenced, he has served 30.

Capt. Ed Hassing also did not comment on Murphy’s past and present cases, but said jail terms are often suspended or shortened because there just aren’t enough jails to house everyone convicted.

“The County and cities have to do the best with what they’ve got,” he said. “Sometimes you’ll get lucky and a judge will use alternative sentencing, but we’re always cramming for jail space.”

Records show Murphy has received some alternative sentencing alongside traditional punishments.

In July 2008, his last trial on record, Murphy was convicted of OVI and failure to control after he was involved in an accident at 1326 Cove Ave.

Judge Patrick Carroll sentenced Murphy to 10 days in jail, a $650 fine and a year’s probation, during which he was required to attend two Alcholics Anonymous meetings per week and enter into a 30-day outpatient treatment program.

In October of that year, according to records, Murphy applied for occupational driving privileges, but was denied because he had failed a drug screen.

Murphy also had previous drug charges in his background.

In December 1994, records show Murphy was convicted of two counts of OVI and one marijuana charge. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine – 80 days and $500 of which were suspended – and was ordered to attend two AA meetings per week.

Hassing said there are occasional repeat OVI offenders, “but they’re not a habitual thing.”