The Root Cause of Multiple DWIs

 Posted on August 08, 2021 in Uncategorized

For many people, one or two arrests in a lifetime for DWI is simply a mistake – a tragic miscalculation of the amount you drank at dinner or an error in judgment on the part of the arresting officer. But for some people, multiple DWIs may be a sign of a more serious problem with alcohol or drugs. Even if a person does not have a problem, the perception of the prosecutor and judge will be that their is a serious concern or root problem that needs to be addressed.

A good example of this may be happening in a very public arrest related to a recent crash and DWI arrest involving a former Alamo city commissioner. Police responded to a crash in the 300 block of North 7th Street in Alamo at 3:43 am on May 26, 2021. As the first officer arrived on the scene, he reportedly saw a gray Ford F-150 traveling north away from the scene. The Alamo officer pursued the vehicle while a second officer arrived at the accident scene to help.

The victim of the crash and his passenger reported that he was traveling south when someone hit the front left side of his 2017 Honda Accord and left the scene of the accident without sharing information. An ambulance took the driver and passenger to the hospital. The Honda was reportedly a total loss, with more than $10,000 in damage.

The pursuing officer pulled over the F-150 driver, observing "an unsteady balance" and a strong smell of alcohol. The arresting officer reported the driver had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. The driver reported he had been at a bar earlier in the evening. He initially claimed no involvement in the crash and said he'd only had one drink but later admitted to drinking three beers. The suspect reportedly refused to participate in a field sobriety test or give a breathalyzer BAC specimen.

Multiple DWI Arrests

The police arrested the suspect on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and transported him to the Alamo jail. He bonded out the next day with $1,000 for the DWI and $500 for an accident involving damage to a vehicle. Jail records show the suspect has DWI charges going back to August of 2013 while he was Mayor pro tem of Alamo. He's been arrested four times for DWI but only had two criminal prosecutions. He currently has another ongoing case from 2018.

For most people, a third or fourth DWI arrest will be a felony charge, carrying the possibility of two to twenty years in prison, a two-year license suspension, and up to a $10,000 fine. However, an experienced DWI attorney may be able to help the prosecutor and the courts get to the root cause of DWI recidivism and offer alternatives for those facing alcohol and substance abuse issues.

Hire a Skilled Texas DWI Attorney

If you or a loved one are facing an arrest for a second, third, or subsequent DWI, it may be time for a new approach. If you suspect you have a problem with alcohol, help is available. But first, you need the guidance of an expert in complex DWI cases. Attorney Doug Murphy is an expert in DWI defense and one of only two attorneys in Texas who is Board Certified in both DWI Defense and Criminal Defense Law. Doug has more than 25 years of experience in complex and repeat DWI cases, offering the skill and experience you need if you're facing a subsequent DWI or a problem with alcohol. Give the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. a call at 713-229-8333 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.