FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STARS, STRIPES, AND TAXIS
JULY 4TH IS A NO REFUSAL WEEKEND

San Antonio, Texas: July 1, 2010

District Attorney Susan Reed is targeting drunk drivers this July 4th holiday weekend. Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 2nd and running through the holiday weekend, individuals arrested for Driving While Intoxicated who refuse to give a sample of their breath are subject to having a blood sample taken pursuant to a search warrant.

During the last No Refusal initiative during Fiesta 2010, one hundred twenty individuals had their blood drawn due to a driving while intoxicated offense. The average blood alcohol content for defendants who had their blood drawn was a .16, twice the legal limit in Texas.

In conjunction with blood warrants, San Antonio Police Department will be increasing their DWI patrol with extra officers out on the street and they will also have their “BAT” mobile in operation throughout the weekend.

The “No Refusal” weekend is an initiative of the District Attorney’s Office done in cooperation with the various law enforcement agencies in the Bexar County DWI Task Force who are out on patrol this 4th of July working to keep everyone safe from intoxicated drivers. Assistance and staff are also being provided by the Bexar County Magistrate’s Office, the Bexar County District Clerk’s Office and the City of San Antonio Magistrate’s Office.

District Attorney Susan Reed encourages everyone to drive safe and sober during this holiday.

For more information, contact Susan D. Reed, Bexar County District Attorney at 335-2342.