HOUSTON – As Spring Break comes to an end and Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend starts, the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department will be stepping up patrols and watching out for impaired drivers.
The county announced it will implement a “No Refusal” weekend from March 15 through the 17.
Deputies will be focusing their efforts on high-risk areas, mainly overnight, where there have been the most alcohol-related crashes.
Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Office will also be present to draft search warrants and give local judges the authority to draw blood from drivers who show signs of impairment.
Nurses will also be on hand to do the actual blood draw.
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has used blood search warrants as a means to obtain evidence in DWI cases from suspects who are arrested but refuse to take a breath or blood test.
“We assist law enforcement with blood search warrants year-round but heighten awareness at times when alcohol abuse increases,” District Attorney Brian Middleton said. “The numbers have remained low during these times, and I encourage our residents to keep up the good work.”
Law enforcement encourages having a designated driver or using ride share.