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D. A. Makes an Offer You Can’t Refuse

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Rockwall County Government Center

The office of Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper has announced that there will be a press conference to announce the second annual Labor Day "No Refusal Weekend". Scheduled for Tuesday, August 24, 2010, at 10:30 a.m., it will be held on the steps of the Rockwall County Historical Courthouse located at 101 E. Rusk on the Rockwall square.

D.A. Culpepper

In a Statement issued by her office, Culpepper said, "This program has received wide support, assistance, and cooperation from a number of fronts including law enforcement, judges, city and county officials, and local hospitals who have agreed to provide trained phlebotomists to draw the blood evidence. I have invited all of the local police chiefs, the Rockwall County Sheriff, the Rockwall County Constables, and other law enforcement supervisors to participate in the press conference. I also expect that county commissioners, judges, hospital personnel, and other local officials will attend. All officials should additionally be available for comment after the event."

The program will run from midnight September 6 through 5 P.M. September 10. During that time, any driver pulled over and suspected of driving while intoxicated will be given a choice take either a breath or blood test. If the driver refuses, the officer can get a warrant to draw blood without their consent. The County will have three judges on call to issue the warrants, and certified medical personnel on hand to do the blood draw.

Culpepper said that last year's No Refusal Weekend was so successful that it produced only three arrests for drunk driving, a testament to the program's deterrent effect. Operators of motor vehicles and boats "got the message."

Posted Friday, August 20, 2010 Sharon Lewis