editor Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 DA's Program Secures 191 DWI-related Arrests for Labor Day Weekend Houston, Tx - 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 Wednesday. 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 last Friday night through last Monday morning (Sept. 4-7). 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 "The newest statutes allow officers and prosecutors to use qualifiedmedical personnel to draw blood samples from intoxicated motorists withchildren in their vehicles"This is what I don't get. How do you know if they're intoxicated if they haven't been tested yet? It seems like its up to the subjective field sobriety test.I'd also like to know what the success rate was on the 30 where warrants were issued. How many were over the limit out of 30? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted September 10, 2009 Share Posted September 10, 2009 I wonder how this will affect the Washington avenue weekend crowds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxmulder Posted September 11, 2009 Share Posted September 11, 2009 I wonder how this will affect the Washington avenue weekend crowds.The sameway it affects the rice village crowd...They don't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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