MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas — Midland County District Attorney Laura Nodolf announced Tuesday that Jose Maria Molina, 49, was sentenced to 30 years in prison after a Midland County jury found him guilty of driving while intoxicated 3rd or more, according to a press release from Nodolf.
The document further added that the jury deliberated for less than half an hour after hearing evidence on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning, returning a guilty verdict. Following the verdict, Molina agreed to a plea bargain of 30 years in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Evidence showed that on June 19, 2022, Molina high-centered his vehicle on train tracks parallel to Business 20 along Faudree Road in Midland County after a night of drinking. A westbound train struck the vehicle within minutes, and Molina fled the scene. He later gave conflicting information to Odessa Police Department officers. His blood alcohol content was 1.5 times the legal limit.
Typically, the offense of driving while intoxicated 3rd or more carries a penalty of two to 10 years in prison. However, due to Molina’s prior felony convictions, he faced a maximum penalty of 25 years to life. Molina admitted in court to having been convicted and sent to prison for two prior felony DWI 3rds and two state jail felony offenses. This was his fifth DWI conviction and fifth felony conviction, qualifying him as a habitual offender.
Molina must serve at least one-quarter of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. As part of the plea agreement reached after the jury verdict, the defendant has waived his right to appeal.