It Is Legal for Police to Administer a Forced Blood Draw in a Suspected DUI with Accident and/or Injury

We do from time to time see forced blood tests. It is legal for officers to do a forced blood draw on somebody. I know throughout California there are many counties and cities that do forced blood draws on a regular basis. In Los Angeles County, we typically do not see forced blood draws in the regular run of the mill DUI investigations.

Where we may see forced blood draws is when there’s a DUI or suspected DUI with accident and an injury. They will do a forced draw if there is a serious injury and if we’re dealing with a felony, with great bodily injury, or even a fatality.

If someone does refuse in one of those situations, they can actually put somebody in a chair, strap them down to hold them down, bring in half a dozen officers and a nurse and actually draw the blood.

The Los Angeles Police Will Obtain a Warrant for a Forced Blood Draw

There was some recent case law which brings into question whether or not there needs to be a warrant to do a forced blood draw. I think that the police departments in Los Angeles are in a position now where if they are required or want to do a forced blood draw, they will get a warrant to do that.

DUI Defense Case Histories

In one case handled through my office, the person was strapped to the gurney and just passively put their arm out. The officers wrote that up as a refusal because a doctor wouldn’t draw blood.

I do see cases with blood alcohol results all over the board. I’ve seen people prosecuted for driving under the influence when they have a blood alcohol level of 0.06. I’ve seen chemical test results go all the way up to well over a 0.30 and 0.34.

I handled a case a few weeks ago that was a 0.34, which, according to the scientific literature, indicates that someone should be unable to walk or talk at a 0.34. My client was able to walk and talk, drive and answer questions. Plus he underwent the field sobriety tests and did pretty well.

Almost All DUI Cases Are Defensible

Obviously our defense in the situation where we have a very high alcohol level like that is that the chemical testing was not accurate for this particular person. It was just not reliable in this particular situation. There has not been a DUI case where we could not find some cracks in the prosecution’s case and, therefore, not find some defenses.

Of course, some cases are stronger than others, but every case can be defended.

Mark Rosenfeld - Criminal and DUI Defence Trial Lawyers

As Mentioned In

Daily Journal
Free 20 Min
Attorney Consultation

(310) 424-3145

or

Request Consultation

Testimonials

See What Our Happy Clients Have to Say

In my opinion, the way that Mark handled my case, I would not have wanted anyone else Period! I did consult a few other attorneys before I got to Mark but I knew he was the guy and the rest is history! I would...

Joe P

DUI’s can be scary! I would then explain it’s not the end of the world and if they want someone to handle their case then to talk to Mark Rosenfeld. They won’t regret it.

Oliver C

All I would say is, he is Mr. DUI LA! He represents from the beginning to the end and beyond. No one wants to go in to an experience like this; Mark will do his very best to get you through the experience.

Angela H

DUI’s can be scary! I would then explain it’s not the end of the world and if they want someone to handle their case then to talk to Mark Rosenfeld. They won’t regret it.

Oliver C

Listen to Our Happy Clients

Chris Testimonial
Janine's Testimonial

Get Your Free Attorney Consultation

    "MR DUI LA" - Mark Rosenfeld

    Personal Attention

    Author, Speaker and Lawyer

    Risk - Free Consultation

    Experience You Can Trust

    Call Us: (310) 424-3415