A Galveston County jury has sentenced Gerardo Diaz Deleon to 25 years in prison for his felony conviction of driving while intoxicated (DWI)—his third or more offense. The sentencing came after a jury found him guilty based on strong evidence, including his own admission and a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) more than four times the legal limit.
Incident Details: Found Passed Out in a Running Car
The case dates back to Cinco De Mayo weekend in 2024, when Texas City police officers responded to reports of a man passed out behind the wheel of a running car at the Mall of the Mainland. Upon arrival, officers found Diaz Deleon in the driver’s seat with an open alcohol bottle inside the vehicle.
After waking him up, police observed clear signs of intoxication, leading to his arrest. Further investigation and blood test results confirmed his BAC was significantly over the legal limit, strengthening the case against him.
Courtroom Evidence: A History of Repeat Offenses
During the trial, Assistant District Attorney Quinten McConico presented body camera footage showing Diaz Deleon admitting to drinking and driving. The prosecution also emphasized that this was not his first offense.
The jury learned that Diaz Deleon had five prior DWI convictions over the past three decades in three different counties. He had already served two separate prison sentences for similar offenses. Shockingly, while testifying, Diaz Deleon could not even recall the number of DWI convictions he had received.
Harsh Sentence for a Habitual Offender
Given his extensive criminal history, prosecutors argued that Diaz Deleon had been given enough chances to change his behavior. McConico urged the jury to deliver a strong punishment to protect the community from further danger.
The jury agreed and sentenced Diaz Deleon to 25 years in prison, considering him a habitual offender under Texas law.
This case highlights the serious legal consequences of repeated DWI offenses in Texas. Habitual offenders face harsher penalties, especially when their actions continue to endanger public safety. With five previous convictions and multiple prison sentences, Diaz Deleon’s lengthy punishment serves as a warning to others about the dangers of drinking and driving.
