More ‘no refusal’ DUI dates planned in Kane for holidays
By Janelle Walker For The Courier-News October 10, 2012 7:32PM
Updated: November 13, 2012 6:21AM
GENEVA — Over the course of the past few years with its “no refusal” patrols, area police have charged 87 people with driving under the influence.
As two of the biggest partying dates of the year approach — Oct. 26-28 for Halloween festivities and Nov. 21-22 for Thanksgiving Eve — the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office is warning drivers that authorities will again be on the roads looking for intoxicated drivers.
The next two “no refusal” dates will be the 10th and 11th times the state’s attorney’s office has used the program, McMahon said. It will be the first time for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving — a popular date to go out since many people do not have to work the following day.
During a “no refusal weekend,” authorities are able to expedite the DUI booking process. Prosecutors and police officers work together to quickly obtain a search warrant to compel a DUI suspect to submit to a blood or breath test as required by Illinois’ Implied Consent statute.
In other words, these suspects may still “refuse to blow” into a Breathalyzer, but a court order will allow officials to take a blood sample to determine blood alcohol content instead.
“We don’t want to interfere with people responsibly celebrating” with friends and family, McMahon said. “We do want to do that in a way that does not threaten the safety of others.”
By announcing the operation’s dates now, residents can make plans for alternate transportation — having a designated driver, using public transportation or taking taxis, McMahon said.
He did note that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving has just recently become a big day for going out for a dinner and a few drinks — especially for young people home from college for the holiday.
The patrols are in conjunction with Kane County police departments, which also may run extra DUI patrols on those dates. It is up to those departments to decide if they want to participate, McMahon said.
