DWI: What Does the State Have to Prove?
Before the State can convict a citizen of the offense of Driving While Intoxicated, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
The State MUST prove that:
- The Defendant;
- Operated a Motor Vehicle;
- In a Public Place;
- In the Texas County where the Defendant is charged;
- While the Defendant was Intoxicated.
In Texas, the term "Intoxicated" means either:
- The defendant lost the normal use of his/her mental OR physical faculties due to the introduction of alcohol, a drug, a dangerous drug, a controlled substance or any other substance into hi or her body; OR
- Had a blood or breath alcohol concentration over the legal limit of 0.08.