Motorists suspected of drinking and driving in Kane County could be subject to court-ordered sobriety tests over the Fourth of July weekend, officials warned Wednesday.

The state’s attorney’s office and local police agencies are teaming up for the county’s third “No Refusal” operation, where officers obtain on-the-spot search warrants to test drivers suspected of being intoxicated. Those who do not comply with blood, breath or urine tests can be charged with contempt of court.

Authorities say the operation will take place Friday and Saturday, but they won’t say where in “an attempt to deter holiday revelers countywide from drinking and then driving,” according to the state’s attorney’s office.

“If we charge zero DUIs in targeted areas this weekend, we will consider the operation a success,” State’s Attorney John Barsanti said in a news release. “Our message is simple: If you drink alcohol, please get a safe ride home.”

Kane County’s first “No Refusal” sting took place on Memorial Day weekend in 2008 and resulted in 14 arrests. Just three motorists were charged in a second sting over St. Patrick’s Day weekend this year.

http://www.dot.state.il.us/trafficsafety/historydui.pdf

I will provide the numerous changes that have occurred from 2004 to today.

Next will follow a series of discussions regarding upcoming changes to the DUI laws, or proposed changes.

Also, as the discussion of the DUI laws becomes up to date, the focus will turn to general traffic and criminal laws.  This discussion will touch on topics including legislative history, current trends, and proposed changes to the current law.

Please feel free to comment on any post.

Christopher Klis