College Station Woman Sentenced to Six Years for DWI

News Summary

Sabrina Perez, a 37-year-old woman from College Station, was sentenced to six years for her third DWI offense. Following a three-vehicle crash, she showed signs of intoxication, and a blood test revealed a high blood alcohol level. Her prior criminal record heightened her sentencing severity, leading to a sobering reminder of the dangers of impaired driving.

College Station Woman Sentenced to Six Years for DWI

In a significant legal proceeding, a 37-year-old woman from College Station, named Sabrina Perez, has received a hefty sentence of six years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after pleading guilty to her third Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offense. The verdict was handed down by Judge David Hilburn in the 361st District Court on December 18th, 2024, following a case that has caught the attention of the local community.

Incident Overview

The story began with a three-vehicle crash that occurred in December 2023, specifically in the bustling 2400 block of Texas Avenue. Thankfully, no injuries were reported from the incident. However, the circumstances surrounding the crash were alarming enough to prompt a thorough investigation by local law enforcement. Officers arriving at the scene noticed distinct signs of intoxication coming from Perez, including a strong odor of alcohol, red and glassy eyes, slurred speech, and stumbling.

Perez’s Account

Sabrina Perez claimed she had only consumed two beers after work before getting behind the wheel that fateful evening. However, the officer’s observations told a different story. Initially, they could not conduct a Standard Field Sobriety Test due to her apparent level of intoxication. In a twist, Perez refused to consent to a breath or blood alcohol analysis immediately following the crash, complicating the situation further for both herself and the officers involved.

Legal Proceedings

As the case progressed, officers obtained a search warrant that allowed them to draw blood from Perez at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. The blood test, conducted nearly five hours after the crash, revealed a staggering blood alcohol concentration of 0.214. This level is more than two and a half times the legal limit in Texas, which significantly contributed to the severity of her charges.

This wasn’t Perez’s first brush with the law either. She had a prior conviction relating to credit/debit card abuse against the elderly, which resulted in a two-year prison sentence. The ramifications of this prior conviction heightened her current DWI charge from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony. Notably, Perez had previously been on probation for her earlier offense but violated her terms, leading to her recent incarceration.

Plea and Sentencing

In October 2024, Perez pled guilty to the DWI charge, setting the stage for the sentencing hearing in December. The assistant district attorney, Rachel Porter, expressed concern over the risks posed to community safety as a result of Perez’s actions, underscoring the importance of maintaining public safety on the roads. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior and the commitment of the legal system to safeguarding the community.

A Tale of Two Sabrinas

Interestingly, this case is one of two separate DWI situations involving women named Sabrina Perez in College Station. The other Sabrina, aged 29, is currently awaiting trial for a misdemeanor DWI stemming from an arrest in May 2024. Both cases have been dealt with by the College Station Police Department, indicating a troubling trend in drinking and driving incidents within the city.

Community Impact

As this case comes to a close, it has raised awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and reiterated the importance of responsible choices. The community is left to reflect on this unsettling reminder of how quickly a few poor decisions can lead to serious, life-altering consequences. College Station residents are encouraged to keep safety in mind, especially during the festive season when celebrations often involve alcohol.