BRENHAM MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS FOR DRUNK DRIVING CRASH
A Brenham man was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of Aggravated Assault in a drunk driving crash that wounded two people.
(Washington Co. Jail)
24-year-old Xavier Martinez was sentenced after a hearing on Monday before Judge John Winkelmann. He originally pleaded guilty on February 12th, after being indicted in August 2023 for two counts of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Intoxication Assault.
According to the Washington County District Attorney’s Office, the charges stemmed from a car crash on West Main Street in April 2023, which left two victims severely injured. The subsequent investigation revealed that Martinez was intoxicated.
The hearing included victim testimony through an interpreter, as well as testimony from Martinez’ family members. During closing statements, Washington County District Attorney Derek Estep said Martinez made the decision to drink and drive, and “his bad judgment led to serious injuries.”
Aggravated Assault and Intoxication Assault are second degree felonies, carrying a punishment range of 2-20 years’ confinement and up to a $10,000 fine. As part of a plea agreement, Martinez pleaded guilty to both counts of Aggravated Assault and one count of the lesser included Driving While Intoxicated, for which he received a sentence in the Washington County Jail.
Estep represented the state, and Aaron Kleinschmidt represented the defendant.
After the hearing, Estep commented, “Nothing can make the victims whole or take away the painful memories of this crash, but I hope the opportunity to be heard will provide them some peace.”