DA reminds residents not to drink and drive

Before ringing in the new year, Tarrant County District Attorney Phil Sorrells is reminding residents that Tarrant County is "no refusal" year-round.

The holiday increases awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated and the Tarrant County DA's Office isn't letting up.

“If you drink and drive, we will prosecute you,” Sorrells said. “There’s no reason anyone should drive intoxicated.”

"No refusal" means if someone is pulled over and refuses a breath test, law enforcement will get a search warrant for their blood. It's illegal for anyone to drive a motor vehicle in Texas if their blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent or higher.

“Get a ride from a friend, or a ride share service,” he said. “Designate a sober driver. Be responsible.”

In Tarrant County, 47 people were arrested and charged with DWI offenses from Dec. 31, 2023, to Jan. 1, 2024.

"Let's get that number to zero," Sorrells said. "There are no excuses for getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol."

Last year, there were 5,953 DWI cases filed in Tarrant County. By late 2024, there were around 4,700 DWI cases filed in Tarrant County.

In Texas, more than 1,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2023, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

“Have a safe, and happy, holiday season,” Sorrells said. "Don't start the New Year in jail."