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Palmerton man gets year in jail for drunken driving

A Carbon County man was sentenced to a year in jail on Monday for drunken driving.

Charles K. Misawic, 45, of Palmerton, was sentenced on Monday by Judge Steven R. Serfass on two driving under the influence charges to a total of one to five years in the county prison. Misawic previously entered guilty pleas to the charges.He was arrested on Sept. 22, 2009, along Route 209 in Lansford after being observed driving erratically.The second arrest occurred on Nov. 28, 2009, in Nesquehoning. He was observed driving a vehicle at the intersection of state routes 209 and 93 and striking a PennDOT sign. He did not stop but a motorist reported the incident to police, who found Misawic at his home. He admitted driving the car under the influence but denied hitting the road sign.In the first incident he was given a blood test and the result indicated a 0.19 BAC. The second arrest test result was 0.34 BAC. In both cases the test results also showed the presence of marijuana in his system.On the first count Serfass imposed a one- to five- year prison term, a fine of $2,500, 18-month license suspension, render 100 hours of community service when released on parole, and get a drug and alcohol evaluation and follow any recommendation for treatment.He was given credit for 13 days spent in jail on the charge and was granted work release privileges.On the second DUI count he was sentenced to serve 90 days to five years in jail, a fine of $1,500, another 18-month suspension, and render an additional 25 hours of community service when released on parole. The jail terms run concurrently.On a charge of accidents involving damages he was fined $300. He must also pay court costs, which average about $1,000.