A Texas man suspected of drunk driving was taken into custody in El Paso on Dec. 3. According to the El Paso Police Department, officers responded to a 3 p.m. report concerning an alleged drunk driver. Police purportedly found the man asleep in his car in a gas-station parking lot on Gateway South. Officials charged the man with driving while intoxicated third or more.
Officers said that the defendant refused to submit to a blood test. Police subsequently obtained a warrant in order to obtain a blood sample for sobriety testing. However, it was unclear whether police have yet determined the man’s blood alcohol content at the time of the incident. Nor was it certain whether police administered any field sobriety tests.
According to police, there were several alcohol containers located inside the man’s vehicle, including one open container. The same man had been taken into custody on similar charges in February, June and July.
Texas has tough laws governing DWI offenses. Individuals convicted of DWI may pay hefty fines, serve time in jail and face driving restrictions. These penalties alone may disrupt an individual’s life in a severe way, especially people with careers and families. In addition, the penalties increase for subsequent DWI convictions.
A lawyer with a background in DWI cases may provide legal advice and representation for individuals facing a second, third or fourth DWI charge. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer may advise an accused individual to accept a plea deal. For instance, a prosecutor may be motivated to offer concessions to someone who shows a willingness to seek treatment for alcohol-related issues. By accepting a plea deal, an accused individual may receive less serious consequences.
Source: KFOXtv.com, “Antonio Escalante arrested on fourth DWI charge of 2014“, Jesse Martinez, December 05, 2014