Law enforcement agencies in Houston and across Texas are vigilant about drunk driving and the dangers associated with it. Given that the current societal challenges are beginning to recede and people are living their lives in a more normal way, holiday weekends and summer outings are already in progress. That is undoubtedly a positive. However, people tend to indulge in alcoholic beverages and other intoxicating substances as part of their barbecues, vacations, boat trips and various activities. With that, law enforcement started an aggressive enforcement blitz on Memorial Day. As the summer proceeds, drivers should be cognizant of this and know the negative impact DWI charges can have.
Arrests and “no refusal” were part of the Memorial Day weekend crackdown
According to Houston police, there were at least 80 DWI arrests during Memorial Day weekend – 40 of which occurred on Saturday night alone. The show of force against potential DWI drivers was put into effect because of the known dangers of driving under the influence. Drivers were advised beforehand that it is better to be safe and have a designated driver, take a cab or use a rideshare app to get back and forth. Since Memorial Day is a weekend in which people want to go out and have fun, it was a prime time for police to stop drivers who behaved in ways indicative of being under the influence
Along with the DWI arrests, drivers were also subject to an increase in “no refusal” enforcement simultaneous to checking for boat operators who might have been under the influence. Boating while intoxicated is also a legal violation that can result in serious consequences. Automobile drivers and boat operators are legally obligated to provide a sample when asked to do so by a law enforcement officer. If they refuse, they can be taken to certain locations where samples will be taken to determine if they are under the influence. Failure to comply brings charges whether they were under the influence or not. These initiatives are part of the worry over the “100 Deadliest Days” on the road. This is the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when there are more drivers and more collisions, often due to alcohol or drug use.
Enhanced enforcement leads to arrests and a DWI defense might be needed
Although DWI is an undeniable concern, that does not mean that everyone who is arrested and charged is automatically guilty. The penalties for a DWI conviction can be problematic for people of all ages, but it is especially challenging for a local business owner, a homeowner and a person whose reputation and future can be damaged with a DWI. Losing driving privileges, jail and fines are some of the penalties that can be given.
The entire case should be scrutinized starting with the evidence. Breath tests are generally used to determine the blood-alcohol concentration and they are not always accurate. Other issues could have hindered the validity of the case and should be assessed as part of a defense. For those who were arrested during the Memorial Day crackdown or might find themselves facing charges over the summer, having assistance from the outset can be a crucial factor in achieving a positive outcome and avoiding the worst possible penalties or even having the charges dropped.