No Refusal & Vehicular Crimes

Safer Roads = Safer Communities.

Montgomery County consistently ranks among the deadliest counties in Texas for roadway fatalities. Each year, residents here are more likely to be involved in a vehicle-related crime than any other type of offense. Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) remains the most frequently committed crime in the county.

Recognizing this serious threat, District Attorney Brett Ligon has prioritized resources and initiatives to help prevent needless deaths and injuries on Montgomery County roadways.

The Vehicular Crimes Unit is a dedicated team of prosecutors and investigators within the District Attorney’s Office, handling the most serious vehicle-related offenses, including Intoxication Manslaughter, Intoxication Assault, and fatal hit-and-run cases. From the moment a crash occurs, the Vehicular Crimes Unit responds directly to the scene, working alongside law enforcement to provide legal guidance throughout the investigation. Their involvement goes beyond filing charges — they remain engaged through every stage of the case, ensuring justice is pursued from start to finish.

In addition to prosecuting cases, the Vehicular Crimes Unit leads the District Attorney’s Office’s nationally recognized No Refusal Blood Draw Program, coordinating with law enforcement to combat impaired driving and save lives.

No Refusal Program

The MCDAO No Refusal Program has been recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as a national model for effectively and efficiently obtaining blood samples from impaired drivers — helping protect lives and hold offenders accountable.

On weekends, holidays, and select dates, Montgomery County’s No Refusal Program ensures that scientific evidence — proving guilt or innocence — is collected in every DWI arrest.

How it works:

  1. Officer arrests driver for DWI; driver refuses breath test.

  2. Officer calls on-duty prosecutor for a blood warrant.

  3. Prosecutor drafts warrant and sends to on-call judge.

  4. Judge reviews for probable cause.

    • If approved: warrant is signed.

    • If not: no blood draw.

  5. Investigator presents warrant to suspect.

  6. Nurse collects blood sample.