FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 26, 2006 

State Attorney Steve Meadows announces the sentencing, in Washington County Circuit Court, of Robert Martin French, to five years prison.  French, 49, of Chipley, was convicted of Felony Driving While License Suspended or Revoked (DWLSR) on Wednesday.

 The trial was the first bifurcated DWLSR trial in Washington County.  The jury first deliberated 15 minutes before finding that French was guilty of the June 13, 2005 offense and then again retired, for five minutes, before concluding that he did have prior convictions for the same offense.

 The Washington County Sheriff’s Office made the case.  Assistant State Attorney Barbara M. Finch prosecuted.

 Please call Joe Grammer, 850-872-4473, with any questions.