Missouri City man sentenced to 30 days in jail for DWI

MISSOURI CITY, Texas -- – A Missouri City man has been convicted of driving while intoxicated.  

A jury found Fred Edward Hopes II, 36,  guilty on Thursday.  He was sentenced to 30 days in the county jail.

Hopes was arrested on March 17, 2013 after a Missouri City police officer said Hopes committed several traffic violations, and pulled him over for suspicion of DWI.  The officer said Hopes showed several signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and lacked coordination.  He was arrested.

During his trial, Hopes claimed he had just left a family barbecue on the night of the arrest.  He admitted to drinking, but said he went to sleep right after.  His defense attorney said Hopes had slept off the alcohol, and failed the field sobriety tests because he was tired and had fractured his ankle one year before his arrest.  They jury did not agree, and found Hopes responsible for his actions.

Driving While Intoxicated is a Class B Misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in the county jail and/or a fine up to $2,000.  Hopes was not probation eligible.