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MCDAO Vehicular Crimes announces “Blackout Wednesday” No Refusal

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Starting Wednesday, November 25, 2020, Montgomery County Law Enforcement agencies will begin to conduct increased DWI enforcement to send a strong message that impaired driving in Montgomery County will not be tolerated over the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is known as “Blackout Wednesday” because it is one of the heaviest drinking days of the year. These increased operations will continue through Sunday, November 29, 2020.

The Montgomery County District Attorney’s office, in conjunction with both state and local law enforcement agencies, will increase No Refusal Operations and DWI Enforcement throughout Montgomery County – from East to West. The goal of this initiative is to prevent traffic-related crashes and deaths caused by impaired drivers.

During this time, the District Attorney’s office, through their No Refusal TxDOT Grant, will provide nurses, prosecutors, and investigators, to assist law enforcement in obtaining blood evidence in cases were a DWI suspect refuses to provide a scientific sample. The process is simple but effective: 1) an officer makes a DWI arrest and asks the suspect for a breath or blood sample; 2) if the suspect refuses, the officer then meets with a prosecutor who drafts a search warrant for the suspect’s blood; 3) the warrant is sent to an on-call judge who will review the warrant for probable cause; 4) if probable cause is found, a nurse will then take a sample of the DWI suspect’s blood.

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These No Refusal Operations ensure that scientific evidence is obtained in all DWI cases and provides the prosecution with strong evidence of guilt or innocence. Many Montgomery County law enforcement agencies have committed to increasing DWI Enforcement to catch as many impaired drivers as possible.

Andrew James, Vehicular Crimes Chief said,“As many travel to spend Thanksgiving with their loved ones, law enforcement will be out looking for impaired drivers and working to keep our roads safe. If you chose to drive impaired, you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted. There is no excuse to get behind the wheel impaired. Don’t put yourself and others in danger.”

District Attorney Brett Ligon shared, “Thanksgiving is a time of appreciation and gratitude. If you choose to celebrate with friends and family this year, please do so responsibly. If you are going to drink, don’t drive. Just stay home. Make the smart choice. This year has seen enough tragedy already. We need everyone driving on the roads safe and sober.”

Source: Michael R. Holley, First Assistant District Attorney, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office

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