LIHU‘E — A Lihu‘e man was sentenced to a year in jail to be followed by five years of probation on multiple drug and moving violation charges. Coy Dean Baxter, 35, was sentenced Thursday in two cases in 5th Circuit
LIHU‘E — A Lihu‘e man was sentenced to a year in jail to be followed by five years of probation on multiple drug and moving violation charges.
Coy Dean Baxter, 35, was sentenced Thursday in two cases in 5th Circuit Court. One involved false certification and driving without a license, and the other was for three methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia charges.
A third case of third-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and drug paraphernalia was continued to March 20 for status of dismissal.
The defense submitted a motion for dismissal after the right to a speedy trial in 180 days expired.
Baxter was arrested in September on the driving and drug charges related to Thursday’s sentencing. He was arrested in August with a co-defendant on the pending drug matter.
County deputy prosecutor Jared Auna represented the state in the driving case. Deputy prosecutor John Murphy was present for the drug charges.
The two recommended probation and up to a year in jail, in part for the moving violations occurring within two years of a similar conviction.
Defense attorney Dena Renti Cruz represented Baxter for the moving violations.
State public defender Christian Enright represented him in the drug case.
The two defense attorneys asked for treatment and probation, saying that Baxter had an abusive upbringing and a lifelong addition. They said he is taking responsibility and turning his life around.
Chief Judge Randal Valenciano said an extensive record, including drug, assault, interference, threatening, family abuse and property damage charges in 2008 weighed on the sentence.
