Local News
County Attorney sends reminder ‘Don’t drink and drive’
Athens, Texas - A Henderson County jury convicted Candie Marie Collum of Driving While Intoxicated in the County Court at Law Number Two of Henderson County, with the Honorable Nancy Perryman Adams presiding. The verdict comes just a month after two men were sentenced to 15 to 20 year sentences for Intoxication Manslaughter involving someone driving a vehicle while intoxicated. The case was tried by Assistant County Attorney, Cody Confer, and a sentencing hearing will be held on January 5, 2010.
"This is one of the last jury trials of the year for us, and I am happy to end the year on a high note," County Attorney Clint Davis said. "With the holidays coming up, I hope this verdict can serve as a reminder to everyone who will be attending Christmas and New Years parties that if they are going to drink, to drink responsibly, and if they are going to drink away from home, that they should have a designated driver."
The County Attorney's Office prosecutes more DUI offenses than any other misdemeanor crime. According to statistics from the office, the office receives over 35 DWI cases each month committed within the county. In recent years, Henderson County has had a significant number of alcohol related accidents causing death and serious bodily injury to innocent victims.
"Before you go out, have a solid plan on who is the designated driver," Davis said. "The costs are too great to not plan ahead."
DWI cases are by far the most difficult cases for the state to meet its burden of proof on as often the evidence is limited to just the peace officer's testimony.
"Although difficult, the public should know that we are going to prosecute these cases, and it will cost you time and money" Davis said. "To date, the County Attorney's Office has tried four times the number of DWI cases as were tried last year before I took office."
"I am pleased with the progress that our office has made in this area and out current efforts to deter people from driving while intoxicated. I'm grateful for the attorneys in my office and the court support staff for helping to make these improvements," Davis said.
- Local News
-
-
Kemp has water problems
KEMP — Residents in Kemp are glad the water is back on, there’s only one problem...It’s dirty.
-
Voters to decide on Mabank ISD tax increase
MABANK — Voters will be going to the polls to decide whether or not to assess themselves a 13 cent tax rate increase.
-
HC receives grant to fight crime
ATHENS - Henderson County has received $22,156 in grant money from the Department of Justice to help law enforcement decrease the crime rate in the area.
-
Tool mayor indicted for DWI
The Tool mayor was indicted for Driving While Intoxicated, third or more offense by the Henderson County Grand Jury in August.
-
Motorcycle accident sends two to hospital
MABANK - An accident involving a motorcycle on Friday sent two individuals to the hospital.
-
Man indicted for shooting
Athens — A 30-year-old man has been indicted for attempted murder in the shooting of his ex-girlfriend.
-
Avoid a DWI
AUSTIN— The Texas Department of Transportation, police departments, and sheriff’s offices across Texas are working together to reduce impaired driving this summer and especially during the upcoming Labor Day weekend. TxDOT is illustrating the choice between getting a sober ride or risking a DWI by driving after drinking with an arresting image—unique vehicles that are a police patrol car on the front end and a taxi cab on the back end.
-
Robbers hit two hotels same night
MABANK - Authorities in neighboring counties worked together to arrest two men in connection with the burglaries of two local hotels over the weekend.
-
Woman dies after jet-ski accident
Athens — A 27-year-old woman died Saturday after a fall from a jet ski on Cedar Creek Lake, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reports said.
-
Seven Points has to shift funds around
SEVEN POINTS — Make it five-in-a-row now.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Kemp has water problems
