By Shereen Siewert
WAUSAU — A 35-year-old Eagle River man can avoid spending three years in a state prison if he successfully completes probation and avoids any new charges for the next three years.
Joseph Wille will, however, spend one year in the Marathon County Jail, with work release. Wille was convicted Monday in Marathon County Circuit Court of fifth offense drunken driving. Circuit Judge LaMont Jacobson also ordered Wille to undergo treatment.
Wille was arrested at about 7:30 a.m. on July 11, after police responded to a report of a man passed out in the Menards parking lot. Police searched Wille’s vehicle and discovered needles and other drug paraphernalia inside, according to the criminal complaint.
Charges of possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia were dismissed as part of a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Wille was also given 118 days credit for time he spent behind bars while waiting for his case to be resolved. He will be eligible to reinstate his driving privileges in three years.
