Getting stopped for suspected DWI is a moment where stress kicks in fast. When an officer asks you to take a breath test, it can feel like there is no good choice. Some drivers wonder if refusing the test might be the safer bet. The answer is not that simple. Texas has an implied consent law. If you are lawfully arrested for DWI, the law says you have already agreed to submit to a chemical test. Depending on the situation, that could be a breath, blood, or urine test. You can refuse, but the choice comes with consequences. The first thing to know is that refusing a breath test will trigger an automatic driver’s license suspension. For a first offense, that suspension lasts 180 days. If you have prior alcohol-related contact on your record, it can stretch to two years. You have the right to contest the suspension, but you only have 15 days from the date of arrest to request a hearing. If you miss that window, the suspension will take effect immediately. Beyond the license issue, refusal can also come back to haunt you in court. Prosecutors can argue that your refusal shows you were trying to hide something. In some cases, officers can obtain a warrant to take a blood sample, even if you refused the breath test. There are other factors to think about, too. A suspended license can make it hard to get to work or school. Insurance rates often climb. You may face additional court costs and, in some cases, be required to install an ignition interlock device. Before making any decision in a DWI stop, it helps to understand the full picture. Refusing the breath test does not guarantee you will avoid a DWI charge. In fact, it can create additional hurdles. If you find yourself in this position, talk with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
SHOULD YOU REFUSE A BREATH TEST? What Refusal Means for Your License
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE ICE CREAM BARS
Ingredients • 1 pt strawberry ice cream • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves • 1 pt vanilla ice cream • 1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies • 1 0.8-oz package
Directions 1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.
freeze-dried strawberries
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