CASSOPOLIS — In October, 2010, new legislation went into effect, carving out a drunk driving law with harsher penalties for driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.17 or above.

For the second time in recent months, a Cass County defendant has challenged this enhanced drunk driving law.

In October 2011, Illinois native Charles Ryan became the first person convicted at jury trial in Cass County under the super drunk law.

On Tuesday, Peter Edwards Jr., 46, of 205 Oak St., Dowagiac, became the second.

A local citizen tipped off police regarding this recent incident and Edwards submitted to a court-ordered blood draw at Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital a short while later. Results indicated Edwards’ BAC was 0.18.

The six-person jury took less than 15 minutes to convict Edwards of operating with a high bodily alcohol content (BAC). District Judge Stacey Rentfrow scheduled sentencing for Feb. 16. The charge is punishable by up to 180 days in jail, $200 to $700 in fines, 360 hours of community service, rehabilitative programs and cost of prosecution.