RESULTS: Reducing a Felony DWI to a Misdemeanor and Probation

In a display of legal expertise and strategic negotiation, board certified attorney Jacob Blizzard successfully reduced a client’s felony DWI charge to a misdemeanor, resulting in a one-year probation sentence with no jail time. The client, facing a third DWI charge, was initially at risk of severe penalties due to two prior convictions. However, through a combination of well-crafted arguments and a deep understanding of legal nuances, Mr. Blizzard turned the tide in favor of the client.

Case Details

The client faced a felony charge for their third DWI offense, a serious accusation carrying the potential for mandatory jail time. However, the circumstances surrounding the case presented unique opportunities for a more favorable outcome.

• Age of Prior DWIs: Mr. Blizzard advocated for consideration of the age of the client’s previous DWIs, arguing that they were significantly dated and should not heavily influence the current charge.
• Borderline BAC Levels: The client’s borderline blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels were highlighted to demonstrate that the severity did not align with typical felony cases.

Legal Strategies

Advocating for Misdemeanor Classification: Mr. Blizzard argued for the case to be treated as a misdemeanor rather than a felony. By emphasizing the outdated nature of the client’s past DWIs and focusing on the specifics of the current charge, he laid the groundwork for a more lenient classification.

• Highlighting Borderline Intoxication: The borderline BAC levels were central to the argument. Mr. Blizzard effectively used this data to challenge the characterization of the offense as a felony, showing that the client’s level of intoxication was not as severe as typically seen in such cases.
• Negotiation with the Prosecutor: A key component of the successful outcome was Mr. Blizzard’s negotiation skills. By advancing the argument that the client’s prior offenses were significantly dated, he convinced the prosecutor to reclassify the charge as a first-time DWI.
• Securing Probation-Only Sentence: Finally, Mr. Blizzard advocated for a probation-only sentence by emphasizing the client’s commitment to rehabilitation and the community. This approach not only avoided jail time but also supported the client’s personal development path.

Outcome

The result was a complete reclassification of the charge to a misdemeanor with a one-year probation sentence, allowing the client to avoid incarceration.

This outcome not only reflected Mr. Blizzard’s legal acumen but also served the best interests of the client as well as the broader community.

This case demonstrates Mr. Blizzard’s ability to achieve remarkable results through strategic legal thinking and negotiation. His commitment to his client’s well-being and his mastery of legal strategy are evident, reinforcing his reputation as a formidable advocate in the field of DWI defense in the Abilene area.[/column]