Wisconsin man sentenced to 15 years for 12th DUI

James Knuuttila Sr.(Bayfield County Sheriffs Office)

BAYFIELD, Wis. — An Iron River man has been convicted to the maximum penalty for receiving his 12th DUI.

77-year-old  James Knuuttila Sr. was sentenced Wednesday to a 15-year prison sentence with 10 years initial confinement, and 5 years extended supervision.

This sentencing comes after a 2024 rollover that Knuuttilas was involved in.

Only  Knuuttilas and their dog were in the vehicle during the crash, and nobody was injured.

Testing after the crash showed that his blood alcohol content was more than ten times his legal limit, resulting in his 12th DUI charge.

District Attorney Kimberly Lawton says she recommended the maximum sentence following a guilty verdict on January 9.

Lawton says Knuuttila’s extraordinary history of repeat offenses, the severity of his intoxication, and the clear danger he posed to the community were the reasons for the recommendation.