Montgomery County Jury Sentences Man to 50 Years in DWI Case

Montgomery County Jury Sentences Man to 50 Years in DWI CaseA Montgomery County jury has sentenced 34-year-old Eugenio Les Zavala, to 50 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after finding him guilty of Driving While Intoxicated, Third or More, according to the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.The two-day trial began July 20th and ended July 21st in the 221st District Court before Judge Keith Stewart. According to prosecutors, the case stemmed from a traffic stop by Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies. Zavala was reportedly the sole occupant of the vehicle and allegedly showed signs of intoxication, including the odor of alcohol, slurred speech and glossy eyes. Deputies also reportedly found two beers inside the vehicle.Prosecutors said Zavala allegedly refused field sobriety testing and declined to provide a breath or blood specimen. A deputy obtained a search warrant for a blood draw, which prosecutors said later showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.150. During the punishment phase, prosecutors said they presented evidence that this was Zavala's fifth DWI conviction, along with prior felony convictions and habitual felony offender status. The jury assessed a 50-year sentence.The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Roberts. Zavala represented himself during trial with standby counsel present, according to officials. This report is based on information released by the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office. A conviction and sentence may still be subject to post-trial motions or appeal.