Written by Brian Walzel    Monday, 14 September 2009 08:25    PDF Print E-mail
‘No Refusal’ weekend results in 191 DWI-related arrests

The Harris County District Attorney’s Labor Day Weekend “No Refusal” enforcement program resulted in almost 200 DWI-related charges, with nearly 20 percent of those against drivers with prior DWI convictions, District Attorney Patricia Lykos announced last week.

This “No Refusal” program was the first operation utilizing new state laws that no longer require prosecutors and police to obtain warrants to draw blood samples of intoxicated motorists in certain situations. It was deployed during overnight periods that extended from Sept. 4 through 7.

Brent Mayr, Chief of the District Attorney’s Vehicular Crimes Section, reported on the results during that period. Six drivers charged with DWI had mandatory warrantless blood tests after they refused to voluntarily provide blood specimens. A judge authorized search warrants to obtain blood samples from another 30 of those charged.

Overall, prosecutors filed 191 DWI charges, with 35 for repeat DWI offenses.

The “No Refusal” deployment was available for use by all police agencies in Harris County. Blood samples were drawn at facilities provided by the hosting law enforcement agencies, the Houston and Pasadena Police Departments. 

“This operation was a double success - it took intoxicated drivers off the streets, and it was deterring others from getting behind the wheel,” Mayr said. “We are committed to protecting the public from intoxicated drivers. If you drive under the influence, you are going to get caught. Refusing to provide a sample will not prevent you from being charged.”

Mayr said “No Refusal” procedures have been recognized by the highest appellate courts as legitimate, constitutional tools in enforcing DWI laws. The newest statutes allow officers and prosecutors to use qualified medical personnel to draw blood samples from intoxicated motorists with children in their vehicles, or who have prior DWI offenses, or who are involved in crashes with injuries requiring medical attention.

More No Refusal operations are expected for upcoming holiday periods, Mayr said.

Comments (0)Add Comment
feedSubscribe to this comment's feed

Write comment
You must be logged in to post a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.

busy
< Prev   Next >
Last Updated ( Monday, 14 September 2009 08:26 )
 

Share this article

Share to Twitter Share to Google 
Banner

Your are currently browsing this site with Internet Explorer 6 (IE6).

Your current web browser must be updated to version 7 of Internet Explorer (IE7) to take advantage of all of template's capabilities.

Why should I upgrade to Internet Explorer 7? Microsoft has redesigned Internet Explorer from the ground up, with better security, new capabilities, and a whole new interface. Many changes resulted from the feedback of millions of users who tested prerelease versions of the new browser. The most compelling reason to upgrade is the improved security. The Internet of today is not the Internet of five years ago. There are dangers that simply didn't exist back in 2001, when Internet Explorer 6 was released to the world. Internet Explorer 7 makes surfing the web fundamentally safer by offering greater protection against viruses, spyware, and other online risks.

Get free downloads for Internet Explorer 7, including recommended updates as they become available. To download Internet Explorer 7 in the language of your choice, please visit the Internet Explorer 7 worldwide page.