Five defendants entered guilty pleas in Carbon County court last week to driving under the influence charges before Judge Joseph J. Matika:

Wayne Leroy Altemose, 38, of Effort, was arrested on Sept. 6, 2016, by Mahoning Township police in the parking lot of the McDonald's Restaurant along Route 443. A test revealed the presence of a controlled substance. He also pleaded to one count of possession of a controlled substance.Sentencing was deferred because he needs a drug and alcohol evaluation.John Azzarelli, 26, of Dunmore, Lackawanna County, was arrested on May 14 by Kidder Township police along Route 903. A test revealed a 0.10 BAC. Sentencing was deferred as Azzarelli is entering an inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.Elex Vantiez Blanks,36, of Berwick, Columbia County, was arrested on May 12 along Interstate 80 in Kidder Township by state police at Fern Ridge. A test revealed a 0.21 BAC.Sentencing was deferred as Blanks needs a drug and alcohol evaluation.Ramel A. Hicks, 34, of Kingston, Luzerne County, was arrested on Feb. 19, along the turnpike in Kidder Township by state police at Pocono. A test revealed a 0.11 BAC.Matika sentenced him to serve 48 hours to six months in jail, a fine of $500, one-year license suspension, pay court costs of about $1,000, pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on parole, render 25 hours of community service and follow any recommendation of his drug and alcohol evaluation. He began the prison term at 4 p.m. Friday.Tonia Michelle Girard, 31, of Coaldale, was arrested on April 5, 2016, along Blakeslee Boulevard Drive East, by Mahoning Township police. She refused a blood test. Sentencing was deferred as she needs a drug and alcohol evaluation.