It appears from reviewing some limited incarceration data that some individuals charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Montgomery County, TX, are allowed to only serve weekends in jail.
At 1:30 p.m Sunday, records showed approximately 14 people incarcerated in the Montgomery County Jail with their disposition listed as “WKE”. Based on the data, all of these individuals were booked into the jail at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. As of early Monday morning, all of these individuals were absent from the jail roster.
One might conclude, all of these individuals served weekend time in the Montgomery County Jail; Friday 6:00 p.m. through Sunday evening.
The following chart illustrates the charges for which the individuals were incarcerated.
According to state statutes, a first time DWI offense is punishable by a minimum 72 hours confinement. A second offense is punishable by a minimum 30 days confinement. A third offense can be considered a third degree felony punishable by a minimum 2 years confinement.
Can anyone explain why Montgomery County has individuals listed as “DWI 3rd or more” serving weekend jail time?
Montgomery County has one of the highest DWI related fatality rates in the state of Texas. Could weekend jail time for DWI offenders be part of the problem?
What do you think?
Related Information
Jail Data – 04-06-08
DWI State Statutes
this is absolutely ridiculous. i would be understanding of one dwi, maybe. but jesus 3 or more? absurd
QUESTION IS WHO DOES THIS BENEFIT THE DWI DRIVER OR THE PUBLIC? WHY AREN’T REPEAT OFFENDERS TAKEN SERIOUSLY? DEPUTIES DO THEIR JOB ARRESTING THESE PUBLIC THREATS SO WHO IS MAKING THE WEEKEND THING A COUNTY POLICY? IS THAT HOW ITS DONE ELSEWHERE? IS THIS ACCEPTABLE STATE LAW? STATE JAIL FELONS GET WEEKEND OPTIONS? HOW MANY MORE BILLBOARDS OF INNOCENT VICTIMS WILL IT TAKE BEFORE DWI REPEAT OFFENDERS GET WHAT’S DUE THEM. STRAIT TIME. THEY MADE THEIR CHOICE KNOWING THE DEAL, LETS GET THIS ONE RIGHT. WHAT EVER HAPPEN TO DON’T MESS WITH TEXAS!!!!! IF ITS A JAIL OVER CROWD THING LETS LET THEM OUT SUPERVISED AND PUT THEM TO WORK ON OUR TEXAS HIGHWAYS!