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Philadelphia Man Refuses Blood Draw After Dui Stop

Philadelphia residents who face a DUI charge know that it is a very serious matter, no matter what. Yet there are degrees when it comes to the type of DUI charge filed, ranging between misdemeanor and felony charges When it comes to devising a criminal defense strategy, the severity of the DUI charge in the case is often a major component of determining how to proceed.

A Philadelphia man is looking at DUI charges on the higher level of the spectrum after a recent arrest. Police reports state that he struck a pedestrian while operating a vehicle under the influence.

Furthermore, the reports indicate that the police officers suspected that the man was under the influence of some type of controlled substance, as opposed to alcohol. The 28-year-old driver was reportedly refused to take a blood test after he was taken into custody.

A DUI blood test in Pennsylvania is lawful, but there are certain procedures that the authorities must follow in order to conduct a reliable test that can be admitted into court without serious objections. If a blood sample is not analyzed by qualified technicians in a certified lab, then the accuracy results may be called into question. Furthermore, if the sample was not properly handled and transported, contamination is a serious concern. Blood test results are likely to be a critical component of the prosecution’s case, so it’s crucial to make sure their evidence is sound.

Drawing blood as the result of a traffic stop can become a controversial issue. Anyone who finds themselves in this type of situation would be wise to make sure that they have the most accurate and up-to-date information about what steps the authorities can take when attempting a blood draw.

Source: Springfield Patch, “Pedestrian Struck by Car; DUI Charges Follow,” Courtney Elko, Oct. 9, 2012