Posted on 12/28/2007 7:07:11 PM PST by elkfersupper
More Texas jurisdictions are turning to forced blood draws to convict those suspected of DUI.
Jurisdictions within Texas are expanding programs where police use force to draw blood from motorists accused of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). Last week, El Paso announced it had joined Harris and Wilson Counties in a "no refusal" program specifically designed to streamline the blood drawing process.
It works as follows. An accused motorist is arrested and taken downtown. While being videotaped, he will be asked to submit to a breathalyzer test with officers specifically avoiding any mention that blood will be taken by force if the often inaccurate breathalyzer test is refused.
During key holiday weekends, a pre-assigned judge who agreed to wait by the phone will approve search warrants created from pre-written templates -- often within just thirty minutes. With warrant in hand, a nurse whose salary is often paid by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) will draw blood while police officers exert the required level of force. In some cases, this use of force can cause permanent damage. Montague, Archer and Clay counties have similar programs except that these departments do away with the nurse and have police officers perform the blood draw themselves, despite a state law banning the practice (view law).
Two of the twelve motorists subjected to the first blood draws in Harris County on Memorial Day weekend this year were later found to have blood alcohol levels below the .08 limit. The program will return on New Year's Eve.
I see you made the same mistake I have; questioning why the hell your being stopped for no reason.
Exactly.
sounds like you need to change your handle to copsfersupper
then......................hehehe
I never said I was for this either. I just twisted the old "if you drink, don't drive" and everyone got bent.
Yes, you have the right to do whatever you wish as long as it doesn't affect others and this is one problem that kills people everyday in this country.
I hope it doesn't go "wacky" when there's a school bus full of kids along side.
The world has sure changed from the world described in “Its a Wonderful Life”.
George Bailey gets lit up at a local bar, gets into his car and plows into a tree. The police officers stop and ask “Mr. Bailey, are you feeling ok, do you need a ride home?”.
It sure is a different life now, Bailey would have been in more trouble than he was in for allegedly embezzling a stinking $8000.
I would prefer a blood draw if stopped, since I don’t trust the accuracy of other tests. That said, I’d be pissed if stopped and forced to give blood. I’d probably sue based on a warrant under false premises. I don’t think you can just stop and search every vehicle, although I could well be wrong.
Now, let me get this straight.
You are purportedly a Texan advocating state control and surveillance of your daily activities?
If so, FOR SHAME!
I not sure if you should go after the shippers.
Do you mean that drivers who deliver material to the company will be screened for tobacco and prevented from entering until they dispose of it?
See #65.
Horrible. But necessary based on the idiots who drive while drunk.
People who complain that Nanny-state cops use checkpoints to rack up $$$$ for themselves only need look no further than the nearest bar or liquor store pumping out drunks every minute. Only an idiot would blame the messenger (MADD) for pointing out the desperate need for enforcement.
That why these checkpoints are most effective after the bars close and 2 blocks away from the liquor stores.
Checkpoints save lives. That’s a fact.
Just skip the drama.
More people are "murdered" (toddlers) by unattended mop buckets, toilets, bathtubs, etc. than are are "murdered" by "drunk" drivers.
I don’t either and I never said I supported this.
Yup! We are very active and if I can’t have it, I’ll be damned if they can. What will they do, fire me? Can we say, hellooooo Mr. Lawyer guy!
Driving on sidewalks is faster because there is less traffic. Better to get a vehicle with good ground clearance so stupid pedestrians don't get stuck in the wheels though.
There is no slippery slope, there’s little left but freefall.
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