Click on the link below to read an interesting article and infographic on drunk driving:
[Infographic] Drunk Driving: The Leading Cause of Death on U.S. Roads
Drunk Driving Detection Technology In New Cars
Click on the link below to read an interesting article about a federal bill that has been introduced regarding alcohol-detection systems for new cars:
A Push To Have Cars Say ‘No’ To Drunk Drivers
Updated TJCTC Publications
Click on the links to see the following updated publications:
DWI Magistration & Inquest Field Guide, 2019 Edition
Reporting Requirements Guide for Justice Courts, 2019 Edition
You can also find these and additional publications on our website at: https://www.tjctc.org/tjctc-resources/publications.html#publications
Ignition Interlock Device Bond Condition: When it is Required and When it is Optional
During the 2019 legislative session, a change was made to when a magistrate is required to order an ignition interlock device (IID) as a bond condition. For the offense of DWI with a Child Passenger (the elements of this offense can be found in Section 49.045 of the Penal Code), the IID condition used to only be required if it was a subsequent offense. Now, this condition is required for this offense whether it is a first or subsequent offense. This new law applies to a defendant released on bond on or after 9/1/19 even if the offense was committed before then.
Below is a chart summarizing the current law for when a magistrate must impose an IID bond condition and when it is up to the discretion of the magistrate to decide whether or not to impose it. In the chart, CCP stands for Code of Criminal Procedure, PC stands for Penal Code, and DWI stands for Driving While Intoxicated.
TxDOT Uses Interactive Game to Discourage Drinking, Driving
Click the link below to read an article about an interactive game that TxDOT is using to discourage impaired driving:
Standard Field Sobriety Tests and Drug Impairment
At the Lifesavers National Conference on Highway Safety in Louisville, KY earlier this year, there was a session on Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and drug impairment. The session was about how research shows that SFSTs are effective at detecting impairment due to drugs and not just due to alcohol.
Here is some of the research that was provided in the session:
An Examination of the Validity of the Standardized Field Sobriety Test in Detecting Drug Impairment
The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Measures of Cognitive Functioning
Article About Repeat DWI Offenders
This article speaks to how important a justice of the peace’s role as a magistrate is. If you want to do more in your county, please reach out to Randy Sarosdy or Rebecca Glisan at our office to ask about our DWI Bond Condition Program.
To read the article, click here:
Impaired Driving and July 4 Holiday
There is a large increase in impaired driving related deaths during the week of July 4.
So be careful on the roads, stay safe, and be prepared for the possible impact on magistration and inquest duties.
For more information on the statistics, please take a look at this article: https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/01/health/july-is-the-deadliest-month-for-drunk-driving-trnd/
Recent News Story on Benefits of Ignition Interlock Devices
Click on the link below to see a recent news article and video about the benefits of ignition interlock devices!
DPS Reporting Update – Ignition Interlock Orders and Other Information
We have been advised that Ignition Interlock orders may be reported to DPS at this email address: convictionreporting@dps.texas.gov
Information concerning Conviction Reporting, Enforcement Actions, Administrative Hearings and the Driver Responsibility Program are available at this link: https://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/docs/cjis/2018CjisJjisConf/dlConvRptngDrvrResponsibility.pdf