The California Department of Justice forensic lab assisted with this case

“Kudos to all those involved in keeping us safer out on the roadway by identifying, arresting, charging, evaluating evidence, and prosecuting a habitual offender who has proven to be a risk to others.  As they say, driving is a privilege, not a right, and we all have a duty to drive safely, sober, and within the rules set forth by law.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

MENDOCINO COUNTY – On August 5, 2025, Patrick Lee Painter, Jr., 52, of Ukiah was sentenced in the Mendocino County Superior Court to 68 months in state prison.  His sentence relates to two felonies, 14 misdemeanors, and one sentencing allegation.

In reverse chronology, the crimes for which Painter was sentenced were:

1. July 18, 2024: Misdemeanor Driving w/ a Forged or Altered Vehicle Registration;

2. July 9, 2024: Felony Bail Jumping w/ felony-pending-felony sentencing enhancement;

3. June 18, 2024: Misdemeanor DUI-related Driving on a Suspended License w/ a Prior Conviction;

4. May 21, 2024: Feloniously and Recklessly Evading a Peace Officer (w/ pursuit speeds over 120 mph);

5. May 21, 2024: Misdemeanor DUI-related Driving on a Suspended License w/ a Prior Conviction;

6. May 21, 2024: Misdemeanor Driving a Motor Vehicle w/o an Ignition-Interlock;

7. February 13, 2024: Misdemeanor DUI-related Driving on a Suspended License w/ a Prior Conviction;

8. February 13, 2024: Misdemeanor Driving a Motor Vehicle w/o an Ignition-Interlock;

9. February 10, 2023: Misdemeanor Driving a Motor Vehicle w/ a Blood Alcohol .15 or greater (.30%) w/ a Prior DUI Conviction;

10. February 10, 2023: Misdemeanor Driving on a Suspended License Due to DUI, w/ a Prior Conviction;

11. February 10, 2023: Misdemeanor Providing False Information to a Peace Officer;

12. February 10, 2023: Misdemeanor Battery (on a 16-year-old female working at a fast-food restaurant);

13. December 24, 2022: Misdemeanor Driving a Motor Vehicle w/ a Blood Alcohol .15 or greater (.205%) w/ a Prior DUI Conviction;

14. December 24, 2022: Misdemeanor DUI-related Driving on a Suspended License w/ a Prior Conviction;

15. December 24, 2022: Misdemeanor Driving a Motor Vehicle w/o an Ignition-Interlock; and

16. December 24, 2022: Misdemeanor Resisting Arrest or Delaying a Peace Officer.

The law enforcement agencies that interacted with the defendant and developed the evidence underlying his convictions were the Ukiah Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Justice forensic laboratory.

The attorney who prosecuted the many charges against Painter was District Attorney David Eyster.

At the completion of the sentencing hearing, the defendant was remanded into the custody of the sheriff’s department  to be transported to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.