SHOW THEM THE MONEY!!!: How having one drink and driving can help police hit the government grant JACKPOT. by Collin County DWI lawyer Troy Burleson
by Collin, Dallas and Denton county DWI lawyer Troy Burleson
If you believe that the local district attorneys win all of the DWI cases they take to trial, you are misinformed. The reality is that they only win about HALF of the DWI cases that actually make it to trial. Many client, and jurors, have asked my why that is the case. Well, it's all about the money. Yes, the big sweet dollar! DWI is a big business. Anyone who tells you differently has his or her head in the sand.
You may be asking, "How are local police agencies making money from DWI arrests?" Well, it is simple. The State of Texas gives police departments grant money to have local squads of officers do nothing but arrest people for DWI. Don’t' believe me? Well read this article about a small town police chief "hit[ting] the jackpot" by carrying out a grant based ticket campaign recently.
To defense lawyers, hearing the news of police agencies getting money for arresting people is old hat. However, most citizens have a less jaded view of the "noble" officers who patrol their streets. Trust me, cross-examine enough officers and you will learn that the good, the bad, and the ugly exist in every police force.
So, "how does grant money effect people charged with DWI?" Simple, because the pressure is so intense to cover the arrest quota to keep the grant money flowing there are many bad arrests for DWI. It doesn't matter to the police if you are ultimately convicted, they just need the arrests. Remember, going one mile per hour over the speed limit and having bloodshot eyes, or admitting to having one drink is enough for an officer to arres you for DWI in the State of Texas. That is the hard truth.
