Eugenio Les Zavala, 34, was found guilty by a jury in Texas last week after his fifth arrest for driving under the influence. He was sentenced to 50 years in prison.
Arrest and Trial
Zavala was arrested in Montgomery County in February 2025 during a traffic stop. He refused to leave his vehicle, became argumentative, and physically resisted officers. His speech was slurred, his eyes were glossy, and he smelled of alcohol. He refused a breathalyzer, field sobriety test, and blood alcohol concentration test.
Prosecutors noted this was his fifth DWI charge, with prior arrests in Harris County in 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2023. District Attorney Mike Holley stated: 'When someone repeatedly chooses to endanger others, our responsibility is clear: act decisively before another family pays the price.'
Sentencing
Under Texas law, a habitual offender with more than two prior convictions can receive 25 years to life. Zavala pleaded not guilty and represented himself at the two-day trial. The jury convicted him on July 21 and handed down the 50-year sentence.
Assistant District Attorney James Roberts said: 'Five DWI convictions tell a story. At some point, repeated chances become repeated choices. The jury recognized that this pattern endangered everyone who shares our roads, and their verdict reflects the seriousness of that risk.'
Zavala has hired an attorney and plans to appeal.
Comparison to UK Case
The sentencing comes as a UK driver, Malcolm Waite, 72, who killed a university student while four times over the alcohol limit, may be eligible for early release under government plans to reduce prison overcrowding. Waite was sentenced to seven years in 2022 but could be released after serving half.
Fenella Hawes, 20, was killed when Waite's car mounted the pavement. Her family said the thought of his release is 'petrifying' and called for exemptions for offenders who caused death.
