No Refusal in Fort Worth and Tarrant County

Tarrant County is “No Refusal” all the time.

In October 2020, officials announced that “No Refusal” program is in effect year-round.

In the past, these initiatives were usually held for several days over holiday periods, including Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, in an effort to deter drunken driving. During this specified time periods, law enforcement agencies implemented resources that allowed them to get warrants to quickly draw blood from suspected drunk drivers who refuse to give a breath or blood sample. Prosecutors widely supported these efforts for the deterrent effect “No Refusal” weekends in Fort Worth have on drinking and driving.

Now that it’s in effect year-round, every day is a ‘No Refusal’ in Tarrant County. Find out what this means.

So, You Can’t Refuse to Blow or Give Blood during a No Refusal?

While the name of the initiative may lead you to believe that drivers do not have the right to refuse a breath or blood test, that is not the case. “No Refusal” actually means that a refusal won’t keep an officer from getting a warrant to obtain your blood. You can (and should) still refuse.

What Exactly is “No Refusal” in Tarrant County?

Generally, anytime you are pulled over for suspicion of driving while intoxicated, an officer will ask you to take field sobriety tests and/or submit to a breath or blood test. Your options are to either consent or refuse all of those tests. If you consent, the officer proceeds with the tests. However, if you refuse the tests, the officer must obtain a search warrant if he wants to get a sample of your blood. This is true every day of the year.

The point of “No Refusal” is to put everyone on high alert that officers are watching for drunken drivers. The purpose is to discourage anyone who has been drinking from getting behind the wheel. But this does not mean you cannot refuse. Be aware that if an officer detects an odor of alcohol on your breath, he is likely to ask you to do field sobriety tests, which is likely going to lead to an arrest. Just because you have had a drink, does not mean you are intoxicated. It is legal to drive in Texas after you have been drinking, as long as you are not intoxicated. Yet, at the arrest stage, the officer is only trying to develop probable cause for the arrest. The question at that moment is not whether there is proof beyond a reasonable doubt that you are actually guilty.

To Consent or Not to Consent? That is the Question.

Do not consent to a breath or blood test if you have been pulled over for suspected drunk driving. It’s important to understand that if you refuse to take a breath or blood test in Texas, an officer must obtain a search warrant to obtain a breath or blood test.

From a defense perspective, there are a couple of reasons why you should not consent:

  • First, if you consent, there is little recourse to overcome the fact that you agreed to the breath or blood test.
  • Second, in order for the officer to obtain the search warrant, he must submit an affidavit establishing there was probable cause. If a magistrate judge determines the officer has established probable cause, the magistrate may issue a search warrant. If you have refused and the officer cannot establish probable cause, blood cannot be forcibly drawn.
  • Third, you will not offend anyone by politely refusing. Just as in any criminal case, the police have a job to do and they can do it without you offering evidence against yourself.
  • Lastly, even if your blood is drawn pursuant to a warrant, the officer’s affidavit can later be reviewed by a defense attorney and the trial court. If probable cause was improperly determined by the magistrate who signed the warrant, the blood evidence may be excluded by the trial court judge.

What Should You Do if You are Stopped for a DWI in Fort Worth?

Politely decline. The prudent course of action is to politely decline field sobriety tests and any alcohol evaluations. Be sure to remain calm, polite, and compliant to any court order that requires blood to be drawn. Texas law does not make it a separate offense for refusing to take such tests. If you refuse a test, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 180 days, but you will not be subject to punishment for an offense solely for refusing to submit to testing. If you provide a sample and it shows a Blood Alcohol Concentration of above .08, your license will be suspended for 90 days. Your attorney will be able to assist you in getting an Occupational License if necessary after first fighting the suspension at an ALR hearing.

The best course of action is not to drink and drive. However, if you are stopped after you’ve had a drink, you still can and should refuse to provide a breath or blood specimen.

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About the Author Board Certified Lawyer Benson Varghese

About the Author

Benson Varghese is the managing partner of Varghese Summersett. He is a seasoned attorney, highly esteemed for his comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field. He has successfully handled thousands of state and federal cases, ranging from misdemeanor driving while intoxicated cases to capital offenses, showcasing his commitment to preserving justice and upholding the rights of his clients. His firm covers criminal defense, personal injury, and family law matters. Benson is also a legal tech entrepreneur. Benson is a go-to authority in the legal community, known for his ability to explain complex legal concepts with clarity and precision. His writings offer a wealth of in-depth legal insights, reflecting his extensive experience and his passion for the law. Not only is Benson an accomplished litigator, but he is also a dedicated advocate for his clients, consistently striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for them. His authorship provides readers with valuable legal advice and an understanding of the complexities of the criminal justice system. CriminalPersonal InjuryFamily Law Contact
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