NEW YORK MILLS, Minn. (AP) - After 27 convictions for drinking and driving, a Minnesota man will be freed.

Daniel Bettcher will be released Friday after most recently serving three years behind bars for a 2009 conviction. The 59-year-old Bettcher was arrested after blowing through a stop sign in New York Mills. A blood alcohol test registered more than twice the legal limit.

Bettcher has repeatedly spent time in jail for convictions dating back to the 1980s.Many of the sentences were served before the state law was changed in 2002 to make DWI a felony upon the fourth offense in 10 years.

Bettcher's attorney, Stormy Vickers, says he spoke to Bettcher a few days ago and he told him it was his intent to move back to the New York Mills area.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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