The Garland Police Department will step up Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) patrols starting Friday, Aug. 19, through Monday, Sept. 5. The increased DWI patrols are a project that is funded through a TXDOT grant program that targets DWI and Driving Under the Influence by Minors. The patrols will be active in the nighttime hours by utilizing both marked and unmarked police cars.
During the increased patrols, officers will apply for blood search warrants for those drivers who refuse to consent to give a specimen of their breath or blood when arrested for DWI-related offenses. Convicted first-time DWI offenders can pay a fine of up to $2,000, lose their driver’s license for up to a year, and serve up to180 days in jail.
In addition, these offenders could face state fines of $3000 to $6000 upon sentencing. Offenders could also be fined up to $10,000 and charged with child endangerment if they drive drunk with a child passenger.
In 2021, TX DOT reported over 1,000 fatality crashes involving driving under the influence.
Together we can #EndTheStreak.