APD’s ‘No Refusal’ Initiative For Holiday DWI’s Net 78 Arrests

The initiative was an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe by encouraging drivers to make responsible decisions, and apply for blood search warrants on suspects who refused to provide…

The Austin Police Department (APD) conducted a No Refusal Initiative that coincided with the Fourth of July Holiday Weekend. This initiative was in effect June 29 – July 5, 2018 and was in operation from 3 p.m. – 5 a.m.

The initiative was an effort to enforce DWI laws, keep the public safe by encouraging drivers to make responsible decisions, and apply for blood search warrants on suspects who refused to provide a breath or blood specimen as required by law.

The results of the No Refusal Initiative, 78 arrests were made for driving while intoxicated offenses:

Total DWI arrests during No Refusal period = 78

Blood Search Warrants: 40

Consent Breath Samples: 24

Consent Blood Samples: 14

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

Consent Breath Samples over .15= 5

Class A Misd DWI (with prior conviction) = 8

Felony DWI (2 or more prior convictions) = 8

Felony DWI Child Passenger = 1