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CASSOPOLIS — A Dowagiac man is getting the chance to reduce criminal charges from his record after action Friday in Cass County Circuit Court.

Clinton Michael Perrin, 43, of East Wayne Street in Dowagiac, pleaded guilty to third offense drunk driving and was given a delayed sentence until next February. If he is successful on 11 month probation, the charge will be reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor charge of 2nd offense drunk driving.

      Perrin was ordered to pay $2,728 in fines, costs and restitution and be on tether for 90 days. He was given credit for 12 days in jail already served.

      The incident occurred Dec. 11, 2024 in Dowagiac. His blood alcohol level was found to be over twice the legal limit.

      Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz noted that Perrin has been drinking and using drugs throughout his adult life and started using marijuana when he was a teen. Fitz said Perrin can either stay sober and stop using drugs or expect to spend more time behind bars.

      Defense attorney Robert Kardatzke said that this was Perrin’s first felony charge and noted that his client has completed anger management related to a district court domestic violence sentence. He said Perrin has a good job and was recently promoted.

      “I was an alcoholic and did have a problem,” Perrin said. “The two years I was sober were the best of my life. It look just one drink to send me down this path. I plan to stay sober … I just want to do better.”

      Cass County Circuit Court Judge Mark Herman said it would be beneficial to Perrin if he’s successful on the delayed sentence probation.

“Look at everything you have to lose and how that’s going to impact everybody’s life,” he said.

“You need to realize you have a lot to lose if you fail,” he added. “You could spend a year in jail if violate, you could lose job and your home. Look at everything you have to lose. You need to decide what you want out of life and what need out of life is alcohol. I would love nothing more than for you to have life in order and be a role model to your daughter.”