Drinking and driving make for a deadly combination in Montgomery County

THE WOODLANDS, TX – There were a reported 2,671 DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) arrests in Montgomery County last year, marking a significant enforcement effort across the county. This number included 236 individuals arrested for a third or subsequent DWI offense, which is classified as a felony, and 64 cases where a child was present in the vehicle at the time of arrest, also resulting in felony charges.

The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, under the supervision of former Sheriff Rand Henderson, accounted for 1,030 of these arrests, while Conroe Police made 409 arrests, and other local agencies such as Constable Ryan Gable’s office contributed to the total. On January 1 of this year, new Sheriff Wesley Doolittle took the oath of office, and has maintained a strong presence on area roads in an effort to address the disheartening drunk-driving statistics of the county.

In 2025, led by Doolittle, Gable, and their peers, local law enforcement made 60 DWI arrests during a multi-agency Labor Day enforcement initiative, including four felony cases, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat impaired driving. The coordinated countywide task force included two No Refusal processing sites to streamline arrests and support rapid warrant processing.

The Grim Facts

Despite increased efforts of law enforcement, Montgomery County consistently ranks among the deadliest counties in Texas for roadway fatalities, with DWI being the most frequently committed crime in the county. A 2025 study found that 46% of traffic fatalities in Texas involved alcohol, the highest percentage among the states analyzed, with Montgomery County being a significant contributor to this statistic. The county’s high fatality rate is attributed to factors such as being a commuter county and rural roads lacking street lighting.

Fighting to bring these statistics down, county officials have made their mark by cementing a reputation for aggressively pursuing DUIs. The Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office – formerly led by Bret Ligon but with consistent leadership under new DA Michael Holley – continues to emphasize aggressive prosecution of repeat offenders and supports year-round enforcement through dedicated task forces and interagency collaboration. Over the New Year’s holidays, Doolittle, Gable, and more will oversee task forces that will monitor roads around the clock and be merciless in their prosecution of offenders.

The Damage of a DWI

Penalties for drunk-driving in Montgomery County vary, based on the number of offenses and specific circumstances surrounding the arrest. For a first-time DWI offense, the charge is typically a Class B misdemeanor, carrying a fine of up to $2,000, jail time ranging from a mandatory minimum of 72 hours to a maximum of 180 days, and a driver’s license suspension of 90 days to one year.

If the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15 or higher, the offense is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, increasing the potential jail time to 72 hours to one year and the fine to up to $4,000.

A second DWI offense is classified as a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties including a fine of up to $4,000, jail time between 30 days and one year, and a driver’s license suspension of 180 days to two years. A second offense also typically requires the installation of an ignition interlock device in the offender’s vehicle.

A third DWI offense is a third-degree felony, punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and jail time ranging from two to ten years, with a license suspension of 180 days to two years. If the third or subsequent offense involves a prior prison sentence, the offense can be enhanced to a second-degree felony, with penalties increasing to 2 to 20 years in prison, or even life imprisonment if there are two prior prison sentences.

If a child under the age of 15 is present in the vehicle during the DWI, the offense is charged as a state jail felony, with penalties including up to two years in a state jail facility, a fine of up to $10,000, and a license suspension of 90 days to two years.

Additional penalties include mandatory civil surcharges of $1,000 to $2,000 per year for three years after a conviction, and mandatory participation in DWI education programs and community service. Other aggravating factors, such as refusing a breath or blood test, can lead to a 180-day license suspension and a minimum of six days in jail if an open alcohol container is found.

How to Determine Your Limit

The number of drinks it takes to reach the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.08% in Montgomery County varies significantly, based on individual factors such as weight, gender, drinking speed, food intake, and alcohol content of the beverages.

A standard drink is defined as 12 ounces of 5% alcohol by volume (ABV) beer, 5 ounces of 12% ABV wine, or 1.5 ounces of 40% ABV distilled spirits.

Generally, for an average adult, consuming four to five standard drinks over a period of time can lead to a BAC at or above the legal limit. However, this number can be much lower for individuals with less body weight; for example, a person weighing 100 - 120 pounds may exceed the legal limit after just two drinks, while a heavier individual may not reach it until consuming four or more drinks. Women tend to reach higher BAC levels than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol due to differences in body composition and metabolism.

Drinking on an empty stomach or consuming alcohol quickly increases the rate at which BAC rises, potentially leading to impairment faster. Eating before and during drinking significantly slows alcohol absorption. Consuming a meal rich in protein and fat before drinking delays gastric emptying, reducing how quickly alcohol enters your bloodstream.

To counter getting drunk, focus on pacing, hydration, and mindful consumption. Drink no more than one standard alcoholic beverage per hour, as your liver can metabolize alcohol at this rate, helping prevent a buildup in your bloodstream. Sip your drinks slowly and avoid chugging, which can overwhelm your body’s ability to process alcohol.

Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink consumed. This helps slow alcohol absorption and reduces the risk of dehydration and hangovers. Snacks like nuts, pizza, or fast food can act as a buffer, though fruits may be better for avoiding acid reflux.

Additionally, stick to one type of drink, such as beer, to better track your intake and avoid confusion from varying alcohol levels in mixed drinks. Avoid shots and rounds, as they encourage rapid consumption and are harder to control.

Play it Safe

Remember, ‘intoxication’ and ‘under the influence’ mean more than alcohol. Illegal drugs – and even some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicines taken improperly – will also render you fully subject to the scope of DWI laws. Have you ever seen the warning on a cold medicine package that says “Do Not Operate Heavy Machinery?” Believe it or not, your car is considered heavy machinery in the context of such medication warning labels. This is because many medications can cause drowsiness, impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slowed reaction times, which can significantly affect a person’s ability to drive safely. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other health authorities emphasize that a car qualifies as heavy machinery under these warnings, making you subject to DWI or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws.

When in doubt of your sobriety status, err on the side of caution. The Woodlands has a plethora of Uber and Lyft fleets, and even some taxi services operate out here. Have (or be) a designated driver who sticks to soft drinks only. Many ‘party areas’ of the Township are within easy walking distance of hotels; some hotels will even send out a shuttle to collect you.

Always remember that getting behind the wheel drunk or otherwise intoxicated is never a good idea; the cost to you could be bankruptcy and utter ruin, and the cost to a potential victim could be death. Woodlands Online encourages you to use your best judgment.