Former major league pitcher, Matt Keough, pleaded guilty in July to a felony DUI and was sent  to a 90-day diagnostic program at the California Institution for Men in Chino, so psychiatric experts could evaluate him to see if he was eligible for probation. Keough could learn today whether he will be facing jail time or not. Orange County Superior Court Judge Derek Johnson could decide to either sentence him to probation or 16 months to three years in prison.

Keough was supposed to enter a guilty plea in July, but the judge said Keough was too drunk and told him to report back to court another day. He still smelled of alcohol when he reported back to court, but was sober enough to enter the plea.

Keough's run-ins with the law date back to 2005, all alcohol related. His attorney, Harley, claims that Keough's problems sprung from a hit in the head with a foul ball in 1992 during spring training. "He's been a basket case ever since then," Harley said. "He's just a pathetic person." Harley does not have any medical proof or evaluations that being hit by the ball is what has led to Keough's problems, but the attorney did make a point that his family cites the accident as the onset of all these issues.  

Officials of the probation department have evaluated psychologists reports and made a recommendation to the judge. Harley will get a chance to see the recommendation today. If it appears that judge Johnson will sentence Keough to more time in prison, Harley said he will ask for the sentencing to be continued so he can prepare his legal arguments to request the lower term of 16 months.

A DUI conviction can have a serious impact on your life and on the lives of those around you. If you or someone you know is facing DUI charges, call our office today. The DUI attorneys at the Hedding Law Firm have handled hundreds of DUI/DWI cases over the years and we know the appropriate steps to take to assist you in making the right decisions.