Repeat DWI Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Rockwall County Case

ROCKWALL, TX (March 6, 2026) On March 3, 2026, 503^rd Judicial District Judge Brian Williams sentenced Hunt County resident, Terry Wayne Brand, 67, to the maximum term of twenty (20) years in a Texas prison for the felony offense of Driving While Intoxicated Third or More. Brand was sentenced after a jury had found him guilty in February.

Jurors heard testimony that on Monday, June 16, 2025, concerned citizens called 911 about a suspicious vehicle that had driven onto Sabine Creek Ranch property late at night. Rockwall County Sheriff’s Deputy Benjamin Rose responded and located a vehicle that was stuck in the mud with Brand sitting in the driver’s seat. Deputy Rose immediately smelled alcohol on Brand’s person, began a DWI investigation, and subsequently arrested him for the offense of Driving While Intoxicated. At the jail, Brand consented to have his blood taken and analyzed; his Blood Alcohol Concentration was later determined by a lab to be .165, over twice the legal limit. Deputy Rose also ran a search of Brand’s criminal history and learned that he had been convicted of DWI or DUI on eight (8) separate prior occasions.

In punishment, the State introduced evidence of all eight prior DWI-related offenses from different counties, including that Brand was previously sentenced to six (6) years in prison for the Offense of Driving While Intoxicated 3^rd or More. Brand’s criminal history began in 1982 and his eighth conviction was in 2016.

“Thanks to Rockwall County residents stepping up and helping law enforcement, Deputy Rose was able to help put away someone whose history of driving while intoxicated has lasted long enough,” said lead prosecutor, Ty McDonald.  “The Judge’s sentence in this case emphasizes the importance of keeping dangerous individuals like Mr. Brand off the roads for as long as possible.”

“This case highlights the fact that roads and highways can be dangerous because of the actions of intoxicated and irresponsible people,” said Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper.  “If you see someone driving recklessly, please call the police.  You might just save someone’s life.”

  brand, driving while intoxicated, DWI, Hunt County