(Rockwall County) June 26, 2013 – Law Enforcement agencies from across Rockwall County will conduct a “No Refusal Program” during the July 4th holiday week. 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 individual has been driving while intoxicated and he/she has refused to consensually provide a breath or blood sample. This is the fifth year that Rockwall County has conducted the program which will extend from 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 28th until 5:00 p.m. Monday, July 8th.
Efforts are again being coordinated on a number of fronts. Lake Pointe Medical Center and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall have agreed to provide trained phlebotomists to draw blood at the hospital throughout the weekend. Rockwall County Court at Law Judge Brian Williams, McLendon-Chisholm Municipal Judge Andrew Leonie, and Royse City Municipal Judge Paul 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, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Submitted by Kenda Culpepper, Rockwall County Criminal District Attorney.
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