He had already been sentenced to prison four times before for drunk driving. This time, a Texas jury decided enough was enough.
The Crash
On August 15, 2022, Christopher Faran Stanford, 50, of Weatherford, Texas, ran a red light at the intersection of FM 51 and SH 171 near Weatherford and collided with the rear of another vehicle. According to authorities, he told the other driver he needed to leave to avoid trouble, then fled on foot. He was located about 30 minutes later, his clothing torn from jumping a barbed wire fence, and reportedly attempted to headbutt a responding paramedic. His blood alcohol concentration was measured at 0.267 — more than three times the legal limit.
A Long History
Stanford had previously been sentenced to prison four separate times for DWI offenses across Tarrant, Dallas, Rockwall, and Johnson counties. Parker County District Attorney Jeff Swain said Stanford's record showed a continuing danger to the community absent a lengthy incarceration.
The Sentence
Stanford pleaded guilty to felony DWI and elected to have a Parker County jury determine his punishment for what was his ninth DWI offense. During the punishment phase, he testified that he didn't believe he had a problem with alcohol and described himself as simply "very unlucky." The jury sentenced him to life imprisonment. He will become eligible for parole after serving 15 years, accounting for good time credit, though the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles will make the final determination on any release.
FAQ
How many prior DWI convictions did Stanford have?
This was his ninth DWI offense; he had been imprisoned four times previously for similar charges.
What was his blood alcohol level at the time of the crash?
0.267 — more than three times the Texas legal limit of 0.08.
When will Stanford be eligible for parole?
After serving roughly 15 years, accounting for good time credit, though parole is not guaranteed.