Austin Police Detail 'No Refusal' DWI Crackdown Results

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin Police Department detailed the results of its recent "no refusal" crackdown on drunk drivers over the July 4 holiday period that netted more than 40 DWI arrests.

Such initiatives, typically conducted during times of hard partying on holidays, are distinguished by officers' ability to compel drivers to submit to forced blood draws if unwilling to voluntarily comply to breathalyzer tests or volunteer a blood sample. Bench warrants are issued on the spot by municipal judges in allowing for the on-site blood draws.

The latest "no refusal" effort was conducted from Thursday, July 4, to Sunday, July 7, and ran nightly during that period from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. During that period, 44 arrests were made for Driving While Intoxicated offenses:

Total DWI arrests during "no refusal" period:

44 blood search warrants

• Blood search warrants: 22
• Consented breath samples: 13
• Consent Breath Samples: 13
• Consented blood samples: 9

Of those arrests, the following number had enhanced DWI charges:

• Consented breath samples over .15: 4
• Class A Misdemeanor DWI (with prior conviction): 4
• Felony DWI (2 or more prior convictions): 1
• Felony DWI Child Passenger: 2
• Boating While Intoxicated: 1

"The Austin Police Department is continuously focused on preventing lives from being lost on the streets, highways and waterways of Austin," police said in a press advisory in explaining the need for the "no refusal" initiativ. "The Department is dedicated to making Austin safe for residents and visitors through education and enforcement.