Police in Washougal, Washington along with Clark County Sheriff's Office Deputies have partnered with Clark County Target Zero and the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to test a new program that would allow for quicker blood draws of people suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The program involves testing people who may be under the influence in specially designated rooms in their facilities. Here, officers and deputies will draw blood needed to perform tests.

If an arresting officer obtains a warrant to draw blood, this procedure is usually performed by medical personnel in an ambulance or in a hospital setting. Washougal police previously contracted this testing out to a third-party company, American Medical Response. However, officials complained that emergency medical responders didn't always have the necessary resources to assist when officers wanted a fast blood draw for a suspected impaired driver.

This program was announced last week and it is unknown at this time what, if any, effects that the COVID19 pandemic could have on the blood draw facilities.

Blood Tests For Suspicion of DUI

Under our state's “implied consent” law, anyone who has been lawfully arrested for driving (or being in physical control of) a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is deemed to have given his or her consent to a breath test to determine alcohol concentration. If an individual refuses to take a breath test, or if an arresting officer has probable cause for an impaired driving offense, a warrant may be obtained for a sample of that individual blood.

There are a number of regulations that law enforcement officers must follow, both when obtaining a warrant and conducting a blood test. Proper protocols must be taken to ensure that blood samples are not tainted and that the results obtained are accurate.  

DUI Defense Attorney Steve Karimi

Many drivers erroneously believe that if they submit to a blood (or breath test) during a DUI arrest and receive an illegal BAC or THC concentration, there is "no point" in fighting a resulting DUI charge. This is simply not the case. For every element which must be satisfied to have a constitutional arrest, proper warrant, and appropriately executed chemical test, there is a potential point of examination for a criminal defense. Don't believe you need to "take a deal" or go down without a fight just because your arrest involved a certain type of evidence.

A seasoned defense attorney will examine all the circumstances involving an arrest and locate any potential weak points. Steve Karimi is a former King County prosecutor who knows how to fight within the criminal justice system. Call 206-621-8777 or fill out an online contact form today to get started.

A seasoned defense attorney will examine all the circumstances involving an arrest. Steve Karimi is a former King County prosecutor who knows how to fight within the criminal justice system. Call 206-621-8777 or fill out an online contact form today to get started.