Kane Co. Impaired Driving Initiative Planned For St. Paddy's Day

KANE COUNTY, IL — Kane County police agencies will team up with the state’s attorney’s office to take part in an impaired driving abatement initiative on St. Patricks's Day this Friday.

As part of the initiative, prosecutors will be on hand to assist police efforts to obtain a search warrant for individuals who refuse to submit to chemical testing after a DUI arrest, according to a news release from the state's attorney's office. The search warrant process is meant to compel a person accused of drunken driving to also complete a blood, breath or urine test as required by Illinois law.

Illinois courts have held that a person has no right to refuse chemical testing when probable cause exists. Prosecutors say anyone who declines to submit to chemical testing will be presented with a search warrant and should expect to face additional charges.

“When a person decides to drink to excess and get behind the wheel of a car, it places everyone at risk. St. Patrick’s Day this year is on a Friday, which unfortunately means that more people are likely to take unnecessary risks. Designated drivers, taxis, Uber and Lyft are excellent alternatives," Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser said. "We partner with police to obtain search warrants so we can get the evidence to prosecute anyone who chooses to compromise public safety."