4.2.11

• Jurisdiction: Arizona

§ 4.2.11 DUI Search Warrants

Taking a blood sample is a search subject to the warrant requirement. Schmerber v. California, 384 U.S. 757, 767 (1966); State v. Jones, 203 Ariz. 1, 9, 49 P.3d 273, 281 (2002). Unlike petitions/warrants for physical characteristics, which can be obtained with less than probable cause, drawing blood must be supported by probable cause. In the absence of exigent circumstances or consent, a warrant is required. Id.

An officer can take a blood sample with a warrant if the driver refuses a breath test. Koller v. Ariz. Dep’t of Transportation, 195 Ariz. 343, 988 P.2d 128 (App. 1999) (Div. 1), citing A.R.S. § 28-1321 (D)(1) (eff. 1990). See also State v. Valenzuela, 239 Ariz. 299, 371 P.3d 627 (2016) (discussing implied consent in DUI cases and effects of admin per se warning on voluntariness of consent, ultimately finding that defendant’s consent was...