Man no stranger to DUI charges

Eight strikes and you’re still not out. At least that’s the case for Jeff W. Laughlin of Lexington, who in the past 22 years has had eight felony convictions for driving under the influence and yet remains a free man. Laughlin’s luck may be running out. He now faces two more DUI charges in Cleveland County, where Assistant District Attorney Greg Mashburn says, “I would think that prison would be the only option for this defendant.” Laughlin’s attorney says his client spent some time in prison years ago and has gone through rehab. Laughlin, 46, told The Oklahoman’s Nolan Clay that he’s not a drunk anymore. “Just for the record, there won’t be any drinking and driving, or taking any kind of drugs and driving, or taking any drugs whatsoever. That’s a thing of the past for me,” he said. Laughlin spoke one day after appearing in court on the latest DUI charge, stemming from a rollover accident last week in which the Highway Patrol found pills and an open can of beer in the van. Prosecutor Mashburn said DUI is the only crime that can result in multiple convictions but no time behind bars. “It may strike the public as odd,” he said. He’s right about that.

Thank you for joining our conversation on ScissorTales. We encourage your discussion but ask that you stay within the bounds of our commenting and posting policy.