July 4th DUI crackdown in Kane County

Kane County's fifth "No Refusal" crackdown on impaired drivers is set for Fourth of July weekend, according to the state's attorney's office.

The operation aims to deter drivers suspected of being under the influence from refusing breath tests to determine their sobriety.

When drivers do refuse, prosecutors are on hand to obtain court-ordered search warrants allowing the drivers' blood to be taken. Otherwise, they face potential charges of obstructing justice or contempt of court.

Although judges have yet to rule on some previous cases, State's Attorney John Barsanti said he thinks the program has succeeded by deterring drunken driving, and giving suspects an incentive to cooperate with police.

"Ninety-five percent of the guys cave in on this," he said of suspects who initially refuse.

Barsanti launched "No Refusal" in Kane County two years ago, and operations since have taken place in Elgin, the Tri-Cities and unincorporated areas.

An Elgin lawmaker, Democratic State Rep. Keith Farnham, also has sponsored legislation to give police across the state the ability to require DUI tests, even without a suspect's consent.

The location of the Fourth of July operation is not being disclosed to the public in advance. Barsanti said it will take place in the "later evening hours" July 3 and 4.