The Docket

Click the link below to read an article about an interactive game that TxDOT is using to discourage impaired driving:

https://www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/txdot-uses-interactive-game-to-discourage-drinking-driving/501-8b8f3a1c-c1e9-4b9b-9aa1-3439cda997af

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 

Detecting Impairment Associated with Cannabis with and without Alcohol on the Standard Field Sobriety Tests 

Examining the Dffect of dl-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and Methamphetamine on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests

The Relationship between Performance on the SFSTs, Driving Performance and the Level of Delta 9-THC in Blood

The Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Measures of Cognitive Functioning

A 2 Year Study of THC Concentrations in Drivers: Examining Driving and Field Sobriety Test Performance

A Placebo-Controlled Study to Assess Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Performance During Alcohol and Cannabis Intoxication

An Evaluation of the Sensitivity of the Standardised Field Sobriety Tests to Detect the Presence of Amphetamine

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:

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/crime/what-will-it-take-to-keep-repeat-dwi-offenders-off-the-roads-in-north-texas/287-0cf8ab65-6909-4a94-b79a-a5c691c72cce?fbclid=IwAR0lqvUiPfFGoKcze3DJsgN54Pwdr6Ej1K_YcLjFTi84w4AOrVi-qXnXxDw

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/

Click on the link below to see a recent news article and video about the benefits of ignition interlock devices!

https://www.kbtx.com/content/news/MADD-Breathalyzer-ignition-interlock-systems-kept-32000-impaired-drivers-off-the-road-in-2018-510876471.html

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

Utah recently changed their BAC limit to .05. Click on this link to see an article about how the new law has impacted their DWI arrests:

https://www.newsweek.com/utah-alcohol-driving-dui-drunk-driving-law-1382890

With the legalization of marijuana in various states, there has been an increased focus on the question of how to determine whether a driver is impaired after using marijuana.

Click on this link to see a recent article on this topic from the Los Angeles Times:

https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-marijuana-dui-20180322-story.html