A Quebec judge could make legal history this week when he decides whether to give a frequently-convicted drunk driver dangerous offender status.

Roger Walsh will be sentenced on Wednesday for drunk driving causing the death of 47-year-old Anee Khudaverdian.

Walsh ran down the wheelchair-bound woman in October 2008, in his 19th drunk-driving offence.

After knocking Khudaverdian into a ditch, Walsh continued driving for another 10 km until he crashed his van.

Because of previous convictions Walsh was driving without a license, and he was not supposed to be drinking either.

If Walsh is named a dangerous offender, it would be the first time in Canada for an impaired driver.

Frequent offender

The crown prosecutor in the case produced four reports that suggested Walsh had little hope of curbing his alcohol addiction, which is why the crown is asking for the unprecedented status of dangerous offender.

The designation is usually reserved for murderers and rapists who are considered likely to reoffend, even after serving time in prison.

Walsh has been in and out of prison for decades.

Since 1970, he has been convicted of 18 counts of impaired driving, 25 counts of assault and aggravated assault, 40 counts of theft, breaking and entering, and mischief, one drug charge, 16 counts of breach of bail and parole violations, and 32 driving-related charges, including hit and runs.

Dangerous offender status

Anyone considered a dangerous offender can be locked up indefinitely, or serve a lengthy sentence which is followed by surveillance after time served.

Technically it means Walsh could be kept behind bars forever if he reoffends.

In Walsh's case, the crown is asking he serve a 20 year sentence then spend 10 years under surveillance.

The defence is asking for a 10 year sentence, which Khudaverdian's sister Clara does not find acceptable.

"I won't accept less than dangerous offender. I can't. I can't," said Khudaverdian. "In all good conscience as a Canadian citizen, none of us should."

Twice before prosecutors have tried to have repeat drunk drivers declared dangerous offenders, but the move has never succeeded.