Judge charged with DUI
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The Wytheville Enterprise
Published: March 4, 2008
An April court date has been set for a juvenile court judge and former Wythe County prosecutor charged Saturday with driving under the influence.
M. Keith Blankenship is set to appear April 24 in Smyth County on DUI and refusing a breath test charges, both misdemeanors.
The 43-year-old Wytheville resident was arrested Saturday evening in Smyth County after being pulled over by a Virginia State Police trooper.
According to Sgt. M.T. Conroy, Trooper R.D. Collins was watching for Blankenship’s vehicle on Interstate 81 northbound after police received a tip from Washington County that the vehicle’s driver may be impaired.
Conroy said the officer observed Blankenship driving erratically and pulled him over at the 43 mile marker at approximately 5:36 p.m.
Blankenship was the only person in the Subaru, Conroy said.
Appointed by the Virginia General Assembly in February 2005, Blankenship became a juvenile and domestic relations court judge in July of that same year. He presides in the 27th Judicial District, which covers Wythe, Bland and several other area counties.
Before becoming a judge, he served six years as Wythe County’s commonwealth’s attorney and was an assistant prosecutor in Smyth County.
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( giggey43 ) on March 05, 2008 at 10:21 am
Shocking! To make a decision to drink and drive is terrible. But a man who knows the law inside and out and still chooses to drink and drive is ridiculous. He must face a judge for his crime and pay his due. Mr. Blankenship you could have cost families their loved ones that night and life would never have been the same again for you. Shame upon you for your actions.
Posted by ( archer ) on March 04, 2008 at 10:17 pm
I recently experienced the poor “judgement” of Judge Blankenship on Feb.21,2008 in a Wythe Co. court.I left the court thinking ,this man has not ruled in the best interest of my 4 year old daughter! The judge seemed to have a blurred vision, as to what would be healthy,happy,and safe for my daughter.Perhaps alcohol was clouding his vision. How many other children have had their fates decided under this blurred vision? Shame on you Mr. Blankenship, you don’t deserve the title of “your honor”.
Sincerly,
Shaun Archer ,Fort Chiswell Va.