Geneva man gets prison for DUI involving minors
A Geneva man who served time for stabbing a woman 10 years ago was sent back to prison Friday, this time for driving drunk with two minors in his car.
James E. Hughes, 44, of the 100 block of Kane Street, was sentenced by Kane County Associate Judge Allen M. Anderson to seven years in prison for what prosecutors said was his third DUI conviction.
Anderson found Hughes guilty in August of aggravated driving under the influence and driving on a suspended or revoked license in a May 23, 2009, incident near East State Street and Briar Lane in Geneva.
Prosecutors said Hughes was pulled over about 1:30 a.m. after police saw him drive onto a curb near the scene of an unrelated traffic stop involving a different vehicle. Authorities said Hughes had trouble walking and standing, smelled of alcohol, and was found to have two minors, ages 17 and 14, with him.
Assistant State's Attorney Christina Wascher said the 17-year-old passenger also was under the influence of alcohol. She said the children were not related to Hughes but had spent time at his home earlier that night.
According to court records, Hughes has an extensive criminal history that dates back to 1988 in Kane County and includes convictions for aggravated battery, battery and burglary.
He was sentenced to prison for stabbing his wife repeatedly in Batavia in 2000, and was convicted last year of contributing to the delinquency of a minor for having an underage drinking party at a St. Charles warehouse where he used to work.
"He seems to know a lot of children," Wascher said.
By law, Hughes must serve at least half of his sentence, or 31/2 years. With credit for more than a year in the county jail, he's expected to serve at little less than 21/2 years at minimum, prosecutors said.
Anderson recommended Friday that Hughes seek substance abuse treatment while in state custody. The judge also ordered him to pay a mandatory $25,000 fine and to complete 25 hours of community service with an organization that benefits youths.