Arizona Supreme Court Makes Blood Test Ruling

This week, the Arizona Supreme Court made a final ruling regarding blood tests and DUI cases.  The Court ruled that police must have a search warrant in order to require a blood test during a driving under the influence arrest.  The only exception to this ruling is when drivers give police consent.

For weeks, the decision had been much anticipated.  The Arizona Supreme Court needed to make a ruling after several prosecutors used the implied-consent statute to get blood samples from people who were arrested for DUI throughout the state.  Reports indicate that in these cases, if suspects did not refuse testing, they were told to give a blood sample.

In the future, law enforcement officers must inform all DUI suspects of their right to refuse blood testing and must also explain the consequences of refusing testing, which include mandatory license suspension.  If suspects are provided with a warrant, they must submit to blood tests.

If you have been charged with DUI in Phoenix and have questions about your breath or blood test, contact the Knowles Law Firm to speak with a Phoenix DUI lawyer!