ELLIS COUNTY, TX — A Midlothian man convicted of driving while intoxicated for the third time was sentenced by a jury to seven years in prison, suspended for seven years of probation, Ellis County and District Attorney Lindy Beaty announced.
Justin Strickland, 44, was found guilty on January 29, 2026, of Third-Degree Felony Driving While Intoxicated, 3rd Offense. The trial began January 28 after being delayed two days due to an ice storm.
Jurors heard evidence that on October 29, 2021, a concerned citizen called police to report a disturbance in the drive-thru at Whataburger in Midlothian. The caller said Strickland and his wife, Chelsie Strickland, were arguing while in line. At one point, Chelsie exited the driver’s seat and walked away, and Strickland then drove the vehicle after her.
When officers arrived, Strickland was behind the wheel and Chelsie was in the passenger seat. Both admitted they had been driving after drinking at two local bars. Because of strong winds, officers conducted field sobriety tests inside the restaurant before arresting both individuals for DWI.
Strickland refused to provide a blood sample, but officers obtained a search warrant. Testing later showed his blood alcohol concentration was 0.146. Chelsie Strickland also refused to provide a specimen; a warrant was obtained in her case as well, revealing a blood alcohol concentration of 0.197.
A review of Strickland’s criminal history showed prior DWI convictions in 2001 and 2003. Chelsie Strickland had no previous DWI convictions.
“We appreciate the efforts of the Midlothian Police Officers who conducted a thorough DWI investigation and helped to get this repeat drunk driver off the streets that night,” said lead prosecutor Chris Abel. “Had it not been for the 911 call placed by the citizen who witnessed the disturbance, this defendant may have driven off and hurt or killed someone. It is up to all of us to say something when we see something.”
Following the guilty verdict, sentencing took place in the 504th Judicial District Court. The jury granted Strickland a probated sentence. As part of his probation, he is required to drive with an alcohol monitoring device and will be supervised by the Ellis County Probation Department for seven years.
Chelsie Strickland was sentenced to 20 months of probation in County Court at Law No. 3.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County and District Attorneys Chris Abel and Chris Schwieg, with assistance from Investigator Joe Aguilar. The Midlothian Police Department conducted the investigation, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab assisted with forensic testing.
