People arrested for a DUI in Pennsylvania will soon encounter a new booking process. ABC 27 News reports that instead of having the blood of a DUI suspect drawn at a hospital, the blood alcohol test will begin at the new Cumberland County booking center in the prison. The blood will also be analyzed by Cumberland County's in-house lab as opposed to a local lab.
Cumberland County District Attorney Dave Freed explained that the previous system was very expensive. Before, the suspect's blood would be drawn at a hospital. Then it would be transported to a lab where the blood alcohol test would be performed. Mr. Freed commented that for as much as they were paying, they could hire their own phlebotomist. In doing this, Mr. Freed hopes to save time and money.
While Mr. Freed claims that this new process would be "more fair for everybody," others disagree; including some PA DUI lawyers. One Pennsylvania DUI attorney, John Mancke believes that this may frighten DUI suspects into refusing to have their blood drawn. He explains that a suspect may say, "Now wait a minute, I don't want to take the test here. I'll be willing to do it at a hospital." If this were to happen, it may be interpreted as a refusal to have the chemical test done.
FindLaw explains that Pennsylvania has an implied consent law, which would make a refusal to submit to a breath, blood, or urine test punishable by law. If you were to refuse a chemical test, you could be punished with a minimum of 3 days in jail, a 1-year license suspension, and a fine of up to $5,000. You may also have to go to Alcohol Safety School and perform a drug and alcohol assessment.
There are a number of PA DUI lawyers who are well versed in the rights of DUI suspects. If you have any questions relating to your rights, please contact one of those PA DUI lawyers. If you have general questions, please visit our Related Resources links.
Related Resources:
- Pennsylvania DUI Penalties (FindLaw's Knowledge Base)
- Drunk Driving FAQ: Do I Have To Take A Blood, Breath, Or Urine Test If Asked To Do So By The Police? (FindLaw)
- PA DUI Lawyers Directory (FindLaw)
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