Hidalgo County DA, police address DUI issues during spring break

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — With Spring Break in full swing the Hidalgo County Criminal District Attorney's Office and local law enforcement are carrying out a "No Refusal" week.

At Wednesday's conference in Edinburg, District Attorney Terry Palacios said if a person is suspected of driving intoxicated and refuses to provide a breath sample, officers will draft a search warrant allowing local judges to authorize a blood draw from drivers who have demonstrated evidence of intoxication.

In addition, Palacios talked about the prevention aspect of drinking and driving.

"It's so important to know this is a crime that can be prevented," he said. "As long as we're responsible. We're not asking you not to drink during this time or during the weekend. We're just asking you to be responsible. Make a plan, get a designated driver, get an Uber back home. It's something we have to change the way people think."

No Refusal Week spans from Friday, March 14 to Sunday, March 23.