Felony DWAI Drugs Conviction

DELHI  – District Attorney Shawn Smith announced today that Brian M. Canfield, of Greene, New York, pleaded guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs, a Class E Felony, in Delaware County Court on July 31, 2024. 

The defendant appeared in Delaware County Court on July 31, 2024, for a conference on his pending indictment. The Indictment charged the defendant with Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs. On February 17, 2024, Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry observed a motor vehicle parked in the library parking lot after it was closed. Officer Terry further observed that the defendant was slumped over the steering wheel, and that the vehicle’s engine was running. A subsequent police investigation revealed that the defendant was under the influence of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl. 

At the conclusion of the Court conference, the defendant pleaded guilty to Driving While Impaired by Drugs, a Class E Felony.  Prior to pleading guilty the defendant admitted that he was under the influence of drugs while in the vehicle at the date and time he was discovered by Officer Terry. The guilty plea was entered as part of a negotiated disposition wherein it is anticipated that the defendant will be sentenced to 5 years of felony probation supervision. The case was adjourned until September 23, 2024, for sentencing. 

District Attorney Shawn Smith commended Village of Sidney Police Officer Royce Terry and State Trooper Timothy Murray- a certified Drug Recognition Expert- for their thorough investigation into this case. “Anytime a person drives a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they risk the lives of innocent motorists and pedestrians.  I will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure that those drivers are held accountable for their illegal actions.” 

As are all persons accused of a crime, this defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.