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23Mar 2020

E-Warrants Make It Easier For Officers To Obtain Blood Withdrawals

The state of Hawaii is leading the way in the use of electronic 
warrants. In 2013, the Supreme Court decided that blood withdrawal was a 
search under the 4th Amendment and to obtain a blood withdrawal a 
warrant was needed. Officers had previously been able to obtain blood 
withdrawals without a warrant under the exigent circumstances exception, 
because of the risk of losing evidence.

Officers in Maui. HI. have started using electronic warrants, as a 2-4 
hour delay could allow a suspect's blood-alcohol level to dissipate. The 
electronic warrants are sent by secure email to a judge for them to 
review and return.

Remember to never drink and drive. If you live in Burlington, Essex, 
Colchester, Winooski, Williston, Shelburne or anywhere in the state of 
Vermont, and have been arrested or charged with DUI or any crime, call 
Handy Law for aggressive and experienced legal defense.