Another No Refusal weekend was implemented recently over the Halloween holiday in Texas. This follows No-Refusal weekends that took place this past Labor Day and Fourth of July.
These No-Refusal weekends are being put into place during holiday weekends that are celebrated heavily by drinking alcohol. During a No Refusal weekend, officers have the right to obtain a warrant allowing them to conduct blood alcohol tests on those they’ve pulled over for DWIs if they’ve refused to comply with a Breathalyzer test.
This initiative continues to be implemented at a time when Texas is experiencing some of the highest DWI rates in the country. The most recent study conducted by MADD revealed that over 15,680 people experienced injuries from alcohol-related accidents and 1,337 died from alcohol-related crashes in 2013.
It’s clear that law enforcement authorities have implemented this policy in order to reduce drunk drivers on the roads and to create a safer environment. Typically, several checkpoints are set up in various parts of the city to assure that drunk drivers are taken off the roads. However, it is crucial to fully understand your rights if you are pulled over for a DWI during a No Refusal period.
As a driver, if you arrive at a checkpoint and are suspected of being intoxicated, an officer might ask that you submit a blood or Breathalyzer test. You then have three options as a response.
- Agree to a blood test
- Agree to a Breathalyzer test
- Reject any type of test
If you reject a test and are suspected of a DWI, it is legal for an officer to detain you until a warrant is obtained, allowing them to force you to provide a blood test.
It’s important to know that if you’re pulled over for a DWI, you should immediately call a criminal defense attorney to lead you through the entire process. At Corso Law Group, we always remind Texans that this contact should be the first step you take if you are ever in this situation.
Upcoming holidays, including New Year’s Eve, are expected to be accompanied by No Refusal initiatives, similar to last year where law enforcement agents administered 14 blood tests and arrested 26 people. With police officers stating that these initiatives are successful, No Refusal weekends are most likely here to stay.
If you are pulled over for a DWI or traffic citation, please contact Corso Law Group immediately at (713) 231-0499.
