Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Colorado’s Appeal of DUI Blood Tests Without a Warrant

According to the Associated Press, the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear an appeal from Colorado officials who are hoping to give authorities the right to take blood samples from suspected drunk drivers without first receiving permission or a warrant.

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Colorado’s Appeal of DUI Blood Tests Without a WarrantIn 2013, Colorado officials argued that police officers should be able to draw blood samples from suspected drunk drivers without a warrant because the time it takes to get a warrant can interfere with the evidence. By the time the police have a warrant the suspect’s blood alcohol levels will have decreased.

However, the Supreme Court ruled that the police must consider a number of different factors in arresting and convicting a suspected drunk driver beyond just a blood test and must be able to justify why they do not get a warrant before drawing blood.

Colorado officials recently attempted to appeal the decisions, but the Justices decided to let the 2013 ruling stand, refusing to hear any further disputes over the matter.

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