A Coaldale man was sentenced Wednesday for driving under the influence in Tamaqua on Dec. 24, 2020.

Timothy Morales Sr. was sentenced to six months outpatient counseling for his drug and alcohol problems by Common Pleas Judge Jacqueline Russell.

He was also ordered to pay costs of prosecution and any other fines or amounts associated with the case. Morales was also ordered to pay fines associated with his failure to keep right when driving. He had pleaded guilty.

Tamaqua Police charged him with driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled drug and failure to keep right. A motorist had called the Schuylkill County Communications Center about a vehicle driving from Coaldale to the borough erratically. Police found it going westbound on East Broad Street. Numerous times Morales was seen driving in an unsafe manner.

Upon stopping the car, police detected an odor of alcohol on Morales who had difficulty taking a standard field sobriety test. He was transported to a hospital for a blood test, which he refused.

Prior to Russell sentencing Morales, he testified he isn’t working now because of appointments. He attends counseling for drug and alcohol problems. Morales said he has been drug and alcohol free for about six months. He also attends anger management, mental health and parenting classes.

Two caseworkers testified Morales does attend sessions.

He asked he not be sentenced to prison for his crimes. William Burke, his attorney, said Morales was willing to take a urine test Wednesday, which he passed.

Assistant District Attorney Karen Byrnes Noon had recommended 45 days imprisonment for Morales. She said “45 days is a fair offer” considering his prior criminal record.