DWI Breath Test: To Blow Or Not To Blow

When faced with that question, here’s what a Texas Panhandle DA decided.
This recent story was written by The Associated Press.

Panhandle DA faces DWI charge
The Associated Press

Another Panhandle district attorney has run afoul of the law.

Clay Ballman, district attorney for Hutchison and Hansford counties, faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated.

Rick Roach was the district attorney for five Panhandle counties when he was arrested on drug and weapons charges in January.

Ballman was arrested late on May 12 after Borger police found his car stopped in the middle of a residential road, Borger police Chief Jimmy Adams said.

Adams said Ballman refused to take a field sobriety or breath test. He was released on a personal recognizance bond authorized by state District Judge William D. Smith.

Ballman´s attorney, Doyce Mallett, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday.

Ballman was arrested after he allegedly was involved in an accident and left the scene. The driver of the other car called police on her cell phone while following the car that hit hers, police said.

No court date has been set.

Some residents were calling Wednesday for Ballman to be removed from office.

“I don´t understand how he can prosecute for drinking and driving when he was drinking and driving,” said Josh Smith of Borger.

Roach, who was arrested on four federal drug and weapons charges, resigned the same day he pleaded guilty to a drug-related weapons charge in February. He is awaiting sentencing, federal prosecutors said.

On Tuesday, Roach was indicted on state charges of possession of methamphetamines and cocaine with intent to deliver.

Information from the Borger News-Herald,http://www.borgernewsherald.com

Posted to MyPlainview: MAY 19, 2005 16:11 CST Another Panhandle district attorney has run afoul of the law.Clay Ballman, district attorney for Hutchison and Hansford counties, faces a misdemeanor charge of driving while . . .
Associated Press