Syracuse, NY – In a move that prosecutors say will send a message to repeat drunk-driving offenders in Onondaga County, a man was sentenced in court today to 15 years to life in prison for driving while intoxicated. 

Allen Cehfus, of Oswego County, was sentenced by Judge Joseph Fahey to the maximum term of imprisonment for felony DWI, first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest.

Cehfus, 48, had six previous DWI convictions on his record and has served multiple prison sentences for driving offenses.

Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bednarski said the judge’s sentence today “sends a message to repeat drunk drivers, that they will be vigorously prosecuted by this office.”

 Allen Cehfus sentencing Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Bednarski talks about Allen Cehfus sentence.

Cehfus’ latest DWI coviction stemmed from an incident shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 17, 2012.

 Cehfus was driving south on snow-covered Interstate 81 in Cicero and crashed into the median.

Sheriff’s officers were called to the scene of the crash and Cehfus failed sobriety tests, according to reports from police and prosecutors.

According to state corrections records, Cehfus has felony DWI convictions from 2009, 2001, 1998, 1992 and 1988. He also had a misdemeanor DWI conviction from 1984.

Cehfus served state prison sentences in four of his prior felony DWI cases. He also served state prison sentences in three other cases — in 1995, 1986 and 1984 — where he was convicted of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according to corrections records.

While he recognizes that alcoholism is a disease that Cehfus’ likely suffers from, Bednarski said it didn’t excuse the defendant’s criminal behavior.

“Alcohol is a disease but it doesn’t force you into being behind the wheel,” he said. “(Chefus) made a conscious decision to drive that night.”