Police Arrest 982 Drivers During Montgomery County DWI Crackdown

 Posted on September 09, 2018 in Uncategorized

In Montgomery County, the District Attorney's Office refers the stretch of time between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the "100 Deadliest Days of Summer." Why? More drivers tend to get behind the wheel while intoxicated during the summer months. In an effort to keep the public safe, the DA's office works with local law enforcement to crack down on DWI and BWI offenders. This past summer, 982 DWI arrests were made in Montgomery County during these 100 deadliest days. That's nearly 10 DWI arrests every day.

Breakdown of DWI Arrests in Montgomery County TX

Police in Montgomery County were busy this past summer. According to reports, most arrests made during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer affected first-time DWI offenders. In fact, two-thirds of all arrests were for first-time DWIs. Sixteen percent of arrests were for second-time DWIs, while nearly 10 percent were for a third or subsequent DWI.

On most days, drivers have the right to refuse chemical testing during a DWI stop. However, there are certain "no refusal" weekends during which this right cannot be exercised. One-third of all DWI arrests this summer were made during "no refusal" weekends.

How Did Police Gather Evidence of DWI?

There are two ways you can be arrested for DWI in Texas. The first is if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit. The second is if police have probable cause to believe you are intoxicated. In order to gather the evidence needed to support an arrest, police may request chemical testing.

Breath Tests: One hundred fifty-eight (158) of drivers arrested for DWI this summer voluntarily submitted to a breath test. In most cases, drivers are not required to comply with an officer's request to submit to testing. Refusing a breath test can have serious consequences, including automatic suspension of a driver's license if an arrest is made.

Blood Tests: Four hundred thirteen (413) drivers arrested for DWI this summer consented to a blood test. Many drivers also exercised their right to refuse testing. However, police requested and were issued 298 warrants to obtain blood samples from those drivers, anyway. Warrants can be obtained when a driver refuses testing if there is substantial evidence to support the suspicion that a driver is intoxicated in violation of the law.

Aggravated DWI Arrests

Approximately 8 percent of DWI arrests made during the 100 Deadliest Days of Summer was for a felony or aggravated DWI charges.

Felony DWI: Ninety-seven (97) drivers were arrested on suspicion of their third DWI offense. A third DWI is a felony offense in Texas.

DWI with a Child: Twenty-seven (27) drivers were arrested for DWI with a child passenger. In Texas, it is a felony to drive while intoxicated when a minor is in a vehicle. This applies to all DWI arrests, regardless of prior offenses.

Intoxication Assault & Intoxication Manslaughter: Police in Montgomery County made one intoxication assault and one intoxication manslaughter arrest this summer. These are aggravated felony DWI charges that a driver can face for causing serious injury or death in a DWI accident.

Get Help Fighting a DWI

Are you facing criminal charges for DWI in Montgomery County? Contact the Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C. for immediate legal assistance. Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and fight to protect your future. Call today to schedule your free consultation.