Texas Governor Signs DWI Penalties Bill

New law increases penalties for drunk drivers who harm public safety personnel

Texas Governor Rick Perry signed new legislation that increases the penalties for injuring or killing public safety officials while driving drunk. This covers on duty police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

The bill is in memory of two North Texas peace officers killed by drunk drivers, Dwayne Freeto of Fort Worth and Darren Medlin of Grapevine. Freeto’s vehicle was struck by a drunk driver while helping a stranded motorist. Medlin was killed by a drunk driver while he was on duty.

Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney Richard Alpert said that his office was going to use the new law to prosecute those who injury public safety personnel while intoxicated. “We will take these cases to trial, and we don’t plea bargain.”

The new Texas DWI penalties make Intoxication Manslaughter a first degree felony punishable by 5 to 99 years in jail. The charge of Intoxication Assault becomes a second degree felony with a 2 to 20 year prison sentence. Both carry a maximum fine of $10,000. The bill takes effect September 1.