A former Houston area local police detective was convicted recently for driving while intoxicated. The trial of the former officer occurred in Harris County Criminal Court in Houston, Texas.
According to reports, on the night of June 4, 2021, an off-duty officer was driving her vehicle in the center turn lane and crashed into a woman and her daughter in Seabrook, Texas. Both victims were taken to the hospital by ambulance. The off-duty officer was taken to the hospital and later that night, arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Later, this same officer was convicted by a Harris County Jury for driving while intoxicated.
At the trial, evidence was introduced indicating that the former officer had a blood alcohol of .152 approximately seven to eight hours after the collision occurred according to evidence from the state’s toxicology expert. The responding officer testified that upon arriving at the scene the former officer had bloodshot eyes, smelled of alcohol, and seemed confused at the scene. Evidence suggests the former officer was drinking at multiple local establishments.
Unfortunately for Houstonians, we have the fifth highest drunk driving rate nationwide. Within the Texas Alcohol Beverage Code, there are statutes that impose liability on establishments licensed to sell alcohol, typically called Dram Shop laws. A bar, restaurant, or establishment that is licensed to sell alcohol, is not allowed to serve alcohol to someone to the point of intoxication, or to serve alcohol to someone who is visibly intoxicated. If a bar or restaurant violates Dram Shop laws, they may be civilly liable to the victims injured by the intoxicated person.
If you or someone you know has suffered injuries or the loss of a family member due to a drunk driver, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz, & Stogner by calling 713-222-7211 or toll-free at 1-800-594-4884.