Fasten your seatbelts, and make sure the person in the driver’s seat is your sober designated driver. It is time for another recap of recent news stories involving DWI in Texas. One of this week’s stories involves a suspect driving a police cruiser while drunk, and another of this week’s DWI suspects is a tow truck driver who once had a contract to drive for the city of Houston.
A Drunken Ride in a Police Cruiser
On March 21, Houston police had arrested a suspect for DWI. The officer who had been driving the police cruiser was standing outside the car, which was unlocked, while the suspect was in the backseat, handcuffed. The arresting officer was talking to another officer who had arrived on the scene, when a woman emerged from a nearby wooded area, got into the unattended police cruiser and started driving. Both officers got into the remaining police car and gave chase. The chase lasted less than one mile before the mysterious driver stopped on her own in a residential neighborhood. Police immediately arrested the woman, whose name is Love God. It is unclear whether she was also under the influence of alcohol, or whether the only drunk driver in the car was not the one driving.
Towing Company Owner Tries to Get Occupational Driver’s License Back After DWI
Jody Randolph Wade’s towing company used to have a contract with the city of Wichita Falls, Texas, but that was before March 8, when Wade had his occupational driver’s license revoked by the administrative license revocation program, which requires that drivers who refuse breathalyzer tests or other sobriety tests during DWI stops have their licenses suspended. A blood test determined that his blood alcohol content (BAC) was greater than 0.15, which means that the license suspension was for 180 days, instead of just 90 days if it had been lower. Wade asked to have his occupational driver’s license reinstated because he depends on it to make a living, running a towing company in 28 counties across northern Texas.
Rio Vista Man Gets 16 Years for 6th DWI
Michael Edwin Hicks of Rio Vista Texas was sentenced to 16 years in prison for a felony DWI conviction. The reason the sentence is so long is that Hicks had previously been imprisoned. He will be eligible for parole. A person’s third DWI charge is a felony, as are all subsequent DWIs. 16 years is far from the longest prison term given out for a 6th DWI conviction in Texas. Life sentences are also possible, even if the drunk driver does not injure anyone.
Contact Madrid Law About DWI Cases
Whether it is your first DWI charge or a subsequent one, you stand to lose a lot if you are convicted of DWI. A skilled criminal defense lawyer can help protect you from the harsh consequences of DWI in Texas. Contact Madrid Law in Houston to discuss your case if you are facing charges for DWI.
