When You Need Medical Attention After a DWI Arrest

 Posted on December 12, 2020 in Uncategorized

Police are investigating after a 25-year-old recently died in the Rowlett City Jail. Police found the man sleeping in his truck in an apartment complex parking lot after receiving a call of a possible drunk driver on the road. Police woke him and arrested him for driving while intoxicated. Later, police also charged him with possession of marijuana and other controlled substances. They then processed him into the Rowlett City Jail.

Rowlett Detention Officers later found the man unresponsive in his cell. They performed CPR and moved him to an area hospital via ambulance, where medical professionals later pronounced him dead. His cause of death is unknown. If the police arrest you for DWI, it can be scary, and you may not know what to do or even what you can do or request from the police. So, it's important to understand what happens after a DWI arrest and what you should do to avoid it.

What Happens After a DWI Arrest?

Once the police arrest you for a DWI, they'll administer a blood alcohol test if they haven't already. The BAC is typically a breathalyzer test or a blood test. If you refused the test, the police will get a warrant for a blood test. They will then take you to the police station for booking. You do not have to speak to the police or answer their questions.

If the police believe that you need medical attention or hurt during your arrest, they will take you to a local hospital. But if you are experiencing medical distress, you should let the police know right away. You should also let the police know if you have any medical conditions that could be exacerbated by your arrest. For example, if you have diabetes, drinking alcohol could significantly raise your blood sugar. Stress can have the same effect. If you are asthmatic, the stress of the situation could cause an asthma attack. Don't be obnoxious or rude, but you should be persistent about your need for medical attention without stating that you believe you had too much to drink.

At some point between your arrest and transport to jail for booking, you'll also have the opportunity to call a friend or family member. If you need medical attention or were injured during your arrest, you should let the person you contact know as much as possible about your condition.

What Should I Avoid Doing?

In the Rowlett City Jail incident, police didn't arrest the driver while he was driving – he was asleep at the wheel of his car in a parking lot. In Texas, police can arrest you for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, but "operating" isn't defined. Police can even arrest you if you're sleeping in your car. If you think you shouldn't drive, it's best to avoid operating a car as well. You should avoid:

• Putting the key in the ignition and sitting behind the wheel,
• Turning on the car to use the heater, air conditioning, or radio,
• Pulling over on the side of the road,
• Putting your seat belt on, even with the car off, or
• Sleeping behind the wheel, even with the car off.

If you have a medical condition police should be aware of or medication that you take regularly, it's good to wear a medic alert bracelet or necklace. You can ask your doctor how you can obtain one. Remember, even if police arrest you for DWI, you are innocent until proven guilty. Everyone can make a mistake. But even so, you have the right to medical attention if you need it.

Attorney Doug Murphy is Board Certified in DWI defense by the National College for DUI Defense, recognized by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and accredited by the American Bar Association. He is only of only two Texas attorneys Board Certified in both DWI defense and criminal law. Best Lawyers in America also recently named him the "Lawyer of the Year" for DWI defense for 2021. Doug received this prestigious award through the reviews of his peers in the DWI defense industry.

Doug is passionate about helping people in his community fight DWI charges. If you're facing a charge for DWI, we can help. Give us a call at 713-229-8333 to set up a consultation today.