ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — A 20-year-old Dallas man has been convicted of driving while intoxicated after a jury determined his impairment was caused by marijuana use, officials said.
Jacob Castillo was found guilty and sentenced to 20 months of probation following the March 17, 2026 verdict.
The case stems from a traffic stop on September 12, 2024, around 11:52 p.m., when Waxahachie police officers pulled Castillo over for a vehicle equipment violation involving a non-functioning license plate light.
According to officers, they detected a strong odor of marijuana when they approached Castillo. Police also observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech, delayed reaction time, and unusual behavior, including laughing during questioning. Castillo admitted to smoking a marijuana cigarette about 30 minutes prior to the stop.
During a DWI investigation, officers said Castillo had difficulty following instructions, appeared unable to focus, and leaned against his vehicle for support. A search of the vehicle, conducted with Castillo’s consent, revealed empty containers with marijuana residue and a marijuana grinder in the center console.
Castillo was arrested and later convicted by a jury.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant County and District Attorneys Valerie Berger and Colleen Collins, with assistance from Investigator Marlena Pendley.
“The law criminalizes driving while intoxicated, and not just driving while drunk, for a reason,” Berger said. “We all deserve safe roads. A person’s decision to drive while they are not sober can be the determining factor in whether everyone gets to make it home safely.”
