DWI “No Refusal Program” initiated for Labor Day holiday

Rockwall, TX (August 30, 2024) – Law enforcement agencies from across Rockwall County will conduct a DWI “No Refusal Program” during the Labor 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 seventeen year that Rockwall County has conducted the program which will run from 12:00 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30th to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3rd.

Efforts are again being coordinated on several fronts.  Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe and Texas Health Hospital Rockwall have agreed to provide trained phlebotomists to draw blood at the hospital throughout the program.  Rockwall County Court at Law 2 Judge Stephani Woodward, Rockwall County Justice of the Peace Pct. 2 Judge Ben Massar, Rockwall Municipal Judge Matthew Scott, Fate Municipal Judge Paul Liston, and Rowlett Municipal Judges Ashley McSwain and Cass Callaway 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 Fate Department of Public Safety, 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 the program continues to be successful.  “This program proactively builds awareness and improves safety on public streets during holiday weekends,” said Culpepper.  “If it keeps even one person from driving while intoxicated or encourages them to use a designated driver, we feel confident that the program is worth the time and effort the county puts into it.”

Press release submitted by Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

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