The state of Texas has taken a unique approach to finding drunk or intoxicated drivers. Certain weekends throughout the year have been designated as “No refusal weekends.” This means that if you are pulled over for suspicion of driving while drunk or intoxicated, you cannot refuse to take a breathalyzer or blood test.
Texas leads the nation in DWI fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They have put the “No Refusal” initiative in place to combat these statistics. Law enforcement will usually designate holidays, such as Labor Day weekend, as a time to enforce this.
What does “No Refusal” mean?
Should the police suspect you of driving drunk or under the influence of drugs, they will pull you over. On these weekends, you must submit to a breathalyzer or blood test. Essentially, you have no choice but to have your blood alcohol or toxicity level tested.
Those who do try to refuse to take a breathalyzer test will be subjected to a blood test, which is considerably more intrusive. Should you refuse, the police will contact one of the local magistrates or judges who are at the ready to issue warrants for blood tests to be conducted on these weekends. Since these orders can be signed and transmitted remotely, the police can obtain a warrant fairly quickly.
Once a warrant is in play, anyone who refuses to take the blood test may be held in criminal contempt of court. In order to avoid this, it is recommended that you submit to the breathalyzer test. These tests leave more room for error than blood tests, which makes it easier to fight the charges.
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Being arrested for DWI in Dallas can impact your life. Don’t let one mistake cost you everything. For a free consultation to discuss your DWI charges, call me 24/7 at 214-646-1557. Se habla Español.