By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
A Hays man who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase while under the influence of methamphetamine on March 17 was sentenced to 16 months in prison on Monday.
Cody Armbrister, 30, was sentenced in Ellis County District Court to prison on one count of felony fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement.
Per a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty to one count of fleeing and eluding.
Charges of aggravated assault, two more charges of fleeing and eluding, criminal damage to property, stalking, reckless driving and driving while suspended were dismissed.
Armbrister's attorney filed a motion for departure from the sentencing grid. He requested a sentence of probation, which would allow Armbrister to participate in in-patient drug and mental health treatment.
During his allocution, Armbrister told the court he had been placed in the foster care system after his mother went missing in 2004.
He said this trauma had led to mental health issues and a substance abuse problem, which he has never had the opportunity to seek treatment for.
"I want an opportunity to better myself for once," Armbrister said. "I'm asking for one opportunity to attempt to apply myself at treatment."
He said, "I understand I ran, but I was under the influence when I ran, and I was dealing with mental health issues when I ran. I want one chance.
"I'm 30 years old. I cannot continue to keep coming to this place and not dealing with my addiction."
Judge Glenn Braun denied Armbrister's request for a departure.
Armbrister has 16 prior convictions, three of which are felonies. This placed him on the highest box of the sentencing grid. Braun also noted he reoffended only 10 months after he was released from prison on another charge.
"That you were under the influence during a high-speed chase imperiled all of the other law-abiding citizens," Braun said.
"I think we are on the cusp of someone dying," he said. "This has shown that you have little respect for what you said was 'your' law.'"
Braun said he was concerned about the number of fleeing and eluding cases the court has heard during the last two years, calling it an epidemic.
"It's time you face the consequences for your actions," Braun said.
Armbrister was also ordered to serve 12 months of post-release supervision.
Braun urged Armbrister, if he is serious about recovery, to seek treatment once he is released from prison.