The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Texas judge reportedly pleaded guilty to a driving while intoxicated charge after a late-night traffic stop in Montgomery, according to court records.
The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. on December 10, when the authorities said a vehicle was observed speeding well above the posted limit and drifting within its lane. An officer initiated a stop and told the driver he had been going more than 60 miles per hour in a 35 mph zone and had been swerving.
During the encounter, the authorities said the driver showed signs that were consistent with possible intoxication. An officer noted that his eyes appeared red and glassy and claimed there was an odor of alcohol. When questioned, the driver first reportedly minimized his drinking, then later denied having consumed any alcohol at all.
Instead, he allegedly told the officer he had been crying after leaving a friend’s home following an emotional discussion about past events, including the September 11 attacks and the war in Afghanistan.
The driver initially agreed to perform field sobriety tests, but his cooperation reportedly changed. At one point, he expressed concern that the tests were unfair and said he no longer wanted to continue. Officers later stated that he did not properly follow instructions during the evaluation.
He also refused to provide a breath sample. Although he initially agreed to a blood draw while in a patrol vehicle, the authorities said he later declined once at a hospital. A warrant was then obtained, and a blood sample was taken.
During the stop, the driver acknowledged that he was a judge and suggested the situation could become complicated. The authorities responded that his position would not affect the enforcement action.
A firearm was recovered from the vehicle, and he was initially charged with unlawful possession, though that charge was later dropped.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a DUI offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.