Clovis man faces two trial dates for DWI charges

CLOVIS — A Clovis man faces two trial dates this month for his 10th and 11th DWI charges, pending judges’ rulings on motions discussed Tuesday to have those charges dismissed.

Randall Pruit, 54, is scheduled for a daylong trial May 9 on an aggravated DWI (eighth or subsequent) charge from October, pending Judge Drew Tatum’s ruling on a motion from his attorney Dan Lindsey to suppress based on claims of Fourth Amendment right violations.

Pruit was also represented Tuesday morning by Jeremiah Hall in a separate motion hearing to suppress and dismiss evidence, statements and charges pertaining to another DWI case from late December, also on the basis of Fourth Amendment violations. Judge Fred Van Soelen has a little bit longer than Tatum to consider the motions, since that case is not scheduled for trial until May 17, records show.

Pruit has remained in jail without bond following the state’s successful motion for pretrial detention following his Dec. 31 arrest.

“These are what I would say are classic DWI motions,” said Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover, who represented the state in both hearings.

Hall did not respond Tuesday to requests for comment. Lindsey said Pruit is still “presumed innocent.”