Kane County plans 'No Refusal' DUI patrols on Black Wednesday
For the fourth year in a row, the Kane County state's attorney's office will work with law enforcement agencies to hold a "No Refusal" DUI enforcement the day before Thanksgiving.
State's Attorney Joe McMahon said Nov. 25, otherwise known as "Black Wednesday," was chosen with input from police agencies and the county's DUI Task Force. The day before Thanksgiving is one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.
"A successful night for me would be zero arrests because everybody gets the idea and everyone gets home safely," McMahon said, stressing he gives advance notice of the enforcement campaign so people can plan ahead. "I just want them to make arrangements to get home safely, for themselves and for all of us. We want them to take responsible action."
During a "No Refusal" event, prosecutors fan out to police stations across the county. If an arrested motorist refuses a breath or chemical test, the prosecutor works with police to prepare a warrant that is submitted to a judge.
The warrant authorizes a phlebotomist to draw blood, or the motorist can be charged with obstruction of justice, a felony, or have his or her blood forcefully taken.
In 2012, authorities made 14 arrests, their most-ever on a Black Wednesday. McMahon's office also coordinated "No Refusal" events in 2013 and 2014.
Overall, 19 "No Refusal" events have been held the past 7½ years.
Evaluation in bomb case
The Kane County Diagnostic Center, which conducts psychological examinations of criminal defendants, will perform an evaluation in the case of David C. Minard, a 36-year-old Elgin man who was arrested in September on a felony charge of possession of an explosive incendiary device.
Minard was questioned in May after authorities were called to his residence on the 300 block of Fulton Street because he was detonating homemade fireworks.
Police searched Minard's home and found gunpowder, cardboard cylinders wrapped in metallic tape, jars with various flammable liquids, 12 homemade cherry bombs and a 16-ounce container of muzzle loading propellent.
Police have said Minard was detonating the bombs for fun, but the items found in his basement could be used to craft an explosive device.
Minard was being held at the Kane County jail on $50,000 bail, and is due in court Nov. 18. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, but has no previous criminal arrests in Kane County.
Ask A Lawyer Saturday
The Kane County Bar Association's "Ask A Lawyer Day" is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 14.
People can call at (630) 762-1900 for a free consultation with a volunteer attorney on topics ranging from wills and child custody to traffic offenses and other crimes.
Do not leave a message since there is no voice mail.
hhitzeman@dailyherald.com