DWI ‘No Refusal’ program in effect for Rockwall County during New Year’s holiday

FROM THE ROCKWALL COUNTY CRIMINAL DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

(ROCKWALL COUNTY, TX – Dec. 27, 2017) Law enforcement agencies from across Rockwall County will conduct a DWI “No Refusal Program” during the New Years’ Day holiday.  This is a program whereby a warrant will be sought to draw an individual’s blood for analysis if an officer has probable cause to believe that the person has been driving while intoxicated and he/she has refused to consensually provide a breath or blood sample.  This is the tenth year that Rockwall County has conducted the program which will extend from 12:01 a.m. Friday, December 29^th until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 2nd.

Efforts are again being coordinated on a number of fronts.  Baylor Scott & White Medical Center–Lake Pointe and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall have agreed to provide trained phlebotomists to draw blood at the hospital throughout the program.  Rockwall County Court at Law Judge Brian Williams, Rockwall Municipal Judge Cathy Penn, Rockwall Associate Municipal Judge David Mallard, and Rowlett Municipal Judge Pam Liston will work in shifts to review and consider the approval of the blood draw warrants.   The District Attorney’s Office will also work in twenty-four hour shifts to answer any questions from law enforcement.

The law enforcement agencies involved in the program are the Heath Department of Public Safety, Rockwall Police Department, Rockwall County Constables, Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office, Rowlett Police Department, Royse City Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and Wylie Police Department.

Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney Kenda Culpepper said that the program continues to be successful.  “We believe this is a proactive approach to improve public safety during holiday weekends,” said Culpepper.  “If it encourages people to refrain from driving while intoxicated or to use a designated driver, we feel confident that the program is worth the time and effort that Rockwall County agencies put into it.”

Submitted press release by the Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney’s Office

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