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Memorial Day DWI Taskforce
Posted by: Nicole DeBorde
May 27, 2009

Memorial Day weekend is typically a very busy weekend for the DWI Taskforce. Police are out in numbers looking for possible DWI suspects. Many counties, including Harris and Montgomery Counties are conducting "no refusal" weekends. What this means is that citizens suspected of driving (or even boating!) while intoxicated or under the influence can be forced to provide a specimen of their blood for analysis. In order to force the taking of blood, law enforcement will have a judge on call signing warrants for each person who refuses a breath test. Once police have a warrant, they will force the drawing of blood.

Just because police have a warrant does not mean that the case is a "slam dunk" for the State in a DWI case. First, the warrant has to be valid. Many times, errors are made in obtaining and preparing warrants of this nature. Also, the taking and analysis of the blood must be done in a particular way. Many times, mistakes are made at some point in this process. DWI's can be devastating to a person's permanent record. If you are accused of driving while intoxicated, you should contact an attorney immediately. You have the right to refuse to take tests, you have the right to refuse to take field sobriety tests (including that pen test - the HGN!) and you have the right to ask for an attorney.

Remember, it's always best to let someone else drive if you had too much to drink! It is not against the law to "drink and drive" as many would have us believe. It IS against the law to drive while intoxicated. There is a difference. If you or someone you know is accused of driving while intoxicated, or of driving under the influence of any alcohol or drug, call a lawyer right away. A good lawyer may be able to save your license and your criminal record!

Be safe!

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