Driving under the influence (DUI) is considered a serious offense in Pennsylvania. If an officer suspects that a driver is operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may conduct a DUI blood test to determine the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC). While breath tests are the most common DUI tests, a blood test is often used to obtain more accurate results. But what happens during a DUI blood test in Pennsylvania? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of a DUI blood test in Pennsylvania.
Before the Blood Test:
Before a DUI blood test can be conducted, the officer must first have probable cause to believe that the driver was operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This could be due to erratic driving, the smell of alcohol on the driver’s breath, or other factors. Once the officer has probable cause, they will inform the driver of their rights and ask for their consent to conduct a DUI blood test. If the driver refuses, their license will be suspended for a year.
During the Blood Test:
If the driver consents to the test, a qualified medical professional (usually a phlebotomist) will administer the test. The medical professional will wrap a rubber band around the driver’s upper arm to constrict blood flow, then clean the area with an alcohol swab. They will then insert a needle into the vein and attach a vial or test tube to the needle to collect a blood sample. Once the sample is collected, the medical professional will remove the needle and apply pressure to the area to stop bleeding.
After the Blood Test:
The blood sample is transported to a lab for testing, and the results are usually available within a few days. If the driver’s BAC was over the legal limit of 0.08%, they may face charges for DUI. The driver has the right to request a second blood test to be conducted by a medical professional of their choice. This second test must be conducted within two hours of the original test.
Additional Information:
It is important to note that DUI blood tests in Pennsylvania are subject to certain regulations to ensure the accuracy of the results. For example, the medical professional conducting the test must be qualified to do so, and the blood sample must be collected and handled properly. If the regulations are not followed, the test results may be deemed inadmissible in court.
While no one wants to go through a DUI blood test, it’s important to understand the process and the potential consequences of failing the test. By complying with the regulations in place, Pennsylvania law enforcement and medical professionals can obtain accurate results and ensure that justice is served for those who are driving under the influence.
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Contact Chester County DUI Defense Attorney
It may be possible to fight your Pennsylvania DUI charge and win, but you’ll never know if you plead guilty without first exploring your options. Ciccarelli Law Offices can review your case to determine whether the local Pennsylvania district attorney’s case has weaknesses that are open to challenge. We will prepare each case as though it is going to trial to insure preparation and thorough understanding and will take the case to trial if you are not satisfied with the resolution that is offered. We strive to be zealous advocates and always try to obtain the best results for our clients.
We are based in West Chester PA (Chester County) in Suburban Philadelphia and represent individuals charged with Drunk Driving, DUI, Driving After Imbibing cases Throughout Pennsylvania including but not limited to Philadelphia, Lancaster, Allentown, Oxford Exton Phoenixville Parkesburg Malvern Coatesville Lionville Chesterbrook Devon Newtown Square Glen Mills Pottstown Downingtown Kennett Square King of Prussia Paoli and beyond.
You deserve a West Chester Pennsylvania DUI lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI Attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices, by contacting us at (610) 692-8700 or toll free at (877) 529-2422.