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Birchfield v. North Dakota Tag

Can Police Test the BAC of an Unconscious Driver?

A Wisconsin case pending before the Supreme Court of the United States challenges the legality of a BAC test taken while the driver was unconscious. The Supreme Court’s ruling could affect the law in Oklahoma, which currently permits both blood and breath tests of people who are unconscious. 47 O.S. § 751. What Happened in the Case? The Wisconsin case centers on a blood draw from a man named Gerald Mitchell who was found “wet, shirtless and covered in sand” on a beach after police had received reports that he was driving drunk. He unfortunately all but admitted that he had been...

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Should You Take a Breathalyzer Test at a Traffic Stop?

Should You Take a Breathalyzer Test at a Traffic Stop?

When you are pulled over in a traffic stop by a police officer, you may wonder if you should take a breathalyzer test or if you should refuse the test. This is a tricky question that depends on your feelings about the consequences of refusal. Implied Consent Law For many years, Oklahoma has had an implied consent law for refusing a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) test such as a breathalyzer or blood test. If you are driving a vehicle on public roads or if you are in actual physical control of such a vehicle, then you impliedly give consent to take a...

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Warrant or No Warrant? Your Rights

Warrant or No Warrant: Your Rights

Three key Supreme Court cases discuss the need for a warrant when police require a suspect to submit to blood and breath tests. The first addresses the amount of force used to compel a test, and the second two discuss whether a warrant is required for blood versus breath testing in DUI cases. Use of Force and Warrants In the case of Rochin v. California, 342 U.S. 165 (1952), the Supreme Court considered whether police may force a suspect to turn over evidence without a warrant. The facts are harrowing: sheriffs entered a man’s home without a warrant and saw capsules on...

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