Palmetto man found guilty in eighth DUI case after jury trial, prosecutors say
A Manatee County jury convicted a Palmetto man this week of felony DUI after prosecutors said he drove drunk despite having a permanently revoked license and seven prior DUI convictions.
Jurors found Ronald Clark Willard, 55, guilty Tuesday of felony DUI, driving with a suspended or revoked license as a repeat offender and driving while his license was permanently revoked, court records show.
An attorney representing Willard did not immediately respond to the Bradenton Herald’s request for comment.
Prosecutors said Tuesday’s trial resulted in Willard’s eighth DUI conviction. His driver’s license had been revoked since 1998 because of his prior DUI offenses, and he had previously served nearly four years in prison for a prior felony DUI conviction, according to the State Attorney’s Office.
Palmetto man found guilty of eighth DUI
While responding to a reported battery in September 2024, deputies found Willard intoxicated behind the wheel of a vehicle, prosecutors said. According to an arrest report, deputies wrote Willard performed poorly on field sobriety exercises and later refused to take a breathalyzer.
Investigators say they also discovered Willard was driving while his license was permanently revoked and that he had six previous convictions for driving with a suspended license.
Assistant State Attorney Tanner Woods, who prosecuted the case, said he hopes the sentence will protect the public from future offenses.
“This defendant has been a menace to society, both on and off the road, for many years, as indicated by his substantial criminal record, and the State hopes to make sure he receives a sentence that will protect the people of the State of Florida for many years to come,” Woods said in a statement.
Palmetto man could face more prison time
The offenses carry a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. Prosecutors announced they are seeking sentencing enhancement under Florida’s habitual offender law, which allows for tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
Judge Teri K. Dees presided over the case, according to court records. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4
