On October 7, 2011, a Texas State Trooper in Parker County initiated a traffic stop for speeding. This trooper later arrested the driver for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated. The driver of that vehicle turned out to be an heir of the founder of Wal-Mart.
What generally happens in a DWI case?
After an arrest, most DWIs are filed with the Court fairly quickly unless the prosecution is waiting on the results of a blood test. Thereafter, the individual arrested appears in court a number of times. If the court or jury finds the person not guilty, the case is over and the individual can seal their records. If the court or jury convicts the person, that individual can spend up to six months in jail and pay a $2,000.00 fine. Even more rare, a prosecutor will dismiss the case for any number of reasons.
What happened in this case?
It is hard to draw any conclusions without speculating. The statute of limitations for misdemeanors is two years. Two years after Ms. Walton’s arrest. Parker County Attorney announced that the statute of limitations would expire on October 7, 2013. Texas Department of Public Safety suspended the arresting officer. Leading up this deadline, the officer would still be on suspension and unable to testify.
Conclusion
Each case is different. It is hard to know what exactly happened with Ms. Walton in Parker County. It is entirely possible that her arrest was improper. However, there is always going to be unanswered questions when someone of such means gets arrested. This is especially true when prosecutors do not pursue charges. Nearly every other member of society would have been charged relatively quickly after the arrest. Even less commonly, the state would have charged a person outside the first year. It is very rare to have charges dismissed outright.
