Man Receives Life Sentence for Ninth DUI

A life sentence is something we think of when we think of murderers, robbers, and even those who have killed someone without intent. We rarely consider that someone could serve a life sentence for driving under the influence, but such is the case with a Texas man.

Bobby Stovall, 54, was driving his pickup truck when he crossed in and out of several lanes of traffic, eventually hitting another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle sustained injuries, and it was later determined that Stovall was driving while impaired. He registered a blood alcohol content of 0.32 when tested; more than four times the legal limit.

Without doubt, that DUI was serious enough to get Stovall in deep water with a judge. Unfortunately, it was not his first. This incident was the man’s ninth DUI arrest. Stovall had already racked up eight DUI convictions across Texas. Not only did Stovall have multiple DUI convictions on his record, but he had also been convicted of credit card abuse, burglary, and providing alcohol to a minor.

According to Stovall’s attorney, the man is an alcoholic who needs help for his addiction, not a danger to society that needs to be locked away for the rest of his life. The judge clearly did not agree. Prosecuting attorneys say that it is a cop out to focus on the disease and not the crime, especially after the eighth conviction. Stovall had many opportunities to choose to not drink and drive, but chose to do so with no regard for the lives he was putting in danger, including his own.

Technically, while Stovall is serving a life sentence, he could get out in 10 to 15 years. Stovall was granted the possibility of parole pending good behavior and other factors.