A Woodstock father is back behind bars after a Monday traffic stop that prosecutors say turned up a 9-month-old baby in the backseat, an allegedly intoxicated driver behind the wheel and an open can of alcohol in the car. Authorities say the 33-year-old driver admitted he was "wasted," failed field sobriety tests and now faces felony aggravated DUI and child endangerment charges. He is due back in court on Tuesday, May 26.
Charges And What Officials Say
According to a press release from the McHenry County State’s Attorney’s Office, Ramiro A. Sanchez, 33, is charged with two counts of aggravated driving under the influence, including one Class X felony and one Class 4 felony, along with one count of endangering the life or health of a child. Prosecutors say the stop began after an officer saw Sanchez driving without a seatbelt. During questioning he allegedly said, "I’m [expletive] wasted," and then failed standard field sobriety tests. The release states that officers found an open "tall-boy" can of alcohol in the vehicle, and that Judge Cynthia Lamb granted a petition to deny pretrial release. Sanchez remains in custody and is due back in court on May 26, 2026.
Prior Record And Judge’s Concerns
Court records and local reporting show Sanchez has five prior DUI convictions, four in Colorado in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and one in DeKalb County in 2020. He was on supervision and probation at the time of the latest stop, according to the Northwest Herald. The judge cited an officer’s report that Sanchez was "unsteady on his feet" and could not follow simple instructions, writing that his condition posed an immediate threat to the child and the public. Prosecutors argued that those factors, combined with his prior convictions and a revoked license, supported keeping him detained while the case moves forward.
What A Sixth DUI Can Mean
Under Illinois law, a sixth or subsequent DUI is treated as a Class X felony, the most serious class short of homicide charges, and penalties grow even tougher when a minor is in the vehicle. The statute imposes mandatory fines and community service when a child is present, according to the Illinois General Assembly. The state’s Vehicle Code outlines escalating felony levels and mandatory sanctions for repeat offenders, including specific financial penalties and service requirements when a child is being transported. Prosecutors pointed to those consequences as part of their argument for detention in this case.
Next Steps
The case has drawn attention from local and regional outlets, including CBS News Chicago, as the charges move through McHenry County court. Sanchez is scheduled to return to court on May 26, and prosecutors say they plan to pursue the charges. As with any criminal case, the public is reminded that a complaint contains only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
