Crime & Safety

Should Police Require a Search Warrant in Order to Draw Blood in DUI Cases?

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case from the state of Missouri, which could have implications on a national level. In Georgia, a search warrant is required.

It's time for another Midtown Patch Question of the Day. Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a case from Missouri on whether police must first get a search warrant before forcing a suspected drunk driver to have blood drawn.

According to a story in The San Francisco Chronicle, the justices have agreed to hear the Missouri contention that the Constitution does not require police to take the time to get a search warrant in order to draw blood. The contention is that the alcohol would dissipate in the system during the wait. The high court in Missouri, however, disagrees and claims a search warrant is required.

It is reported that more than 1.4 million people are arrested in the US each year and charged with driving under the influence.

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Do you think that members of law enforcement would be required to obtain a warrant before forcing a suspected drunk driver to have blood drawn in DUI cases?


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