In Dallas, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can bring serious repercussions. A man is discovering just how serious after being found guilty of intoxication manslaughter stemming from a drunk driving accident in 2009 on I-20. The accident occurred east of Terrell after the man lost consciousness while driving. His truck veered out of his lane, striking another car head on. Two people were killed, and it was later established that the man's blood alcohol level was over twice the legal limit.

He was later convicted of two counts of intoxication manslaughter, sentenced to 40 years' incarceration and fined $20,000. The man appealed the drunk driving conviction, claiming that the blood test was improperly administered by an unqualified technician, his attorney was not allowed to question the jurors about sentencing, and that the accident was not caused by his driving under the influence. Though his attorneys have kept fighting on behalf of their client, the 5th District Court of Appeals in Dallas upheld his conviction on Feb. 10, affirming the trial court's judgment concerning the issues that were appealed.

Although he has been found guilty and will be serving a lengthy prison sentence, each criminal proceeding is different and must be judged on its own facts and circumstances. Anyone facing these types of charges is entitled to a presumption of innocence that protects all person accused of a crime in Texas.

Anyone in Dallas who may be facing drunk driving charges would do well to focus their attention on each allegation. Police reports and procedures can be reviewed to ensure that officers followed proper procedures when stopping or arresting those involved. Once all of the elements of a case are reviewed, a defense strategy can be aimed at achieving a fair resolution.

Source: Examiner, "Intoxication manslaughter charges upheld in Terrell drunk driving case," Sherri Thornhill, Feb. 13, 2012