You cannot refuse to give a blood sample in a NJ DUI. As with giving breath samples for a Breathalyzer, New Jersey law requires you to give a blood sample, where appropriate, to determine your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Blood samples, however, can be taken involuntarily, as long as the police use "reasonable force" to do so.

A blood draw is considered a "search and seizure" under the Fourth Amendment, and as such must be done pursuant to probable cause. Therefore the police must meet this burden, otherwise the BAC reading can be thrown out by the court. It can also be thrown out if it was obtained through an "unreasonable use of force."

Blood samples are usually requested when you were injured in an accident that gave rise to the arrest or when you refuse to give a breath sample. Charges can also be based on blood tests done by the hospital as part of the treatment for your injuries.

I May Be Able to Help!

I don't take every case that comes to me. But if you were arrested and charged with a DUI in Gloucester, Camden, Burlington, Salem, or Cumberland County, you know you need to hire a lawyer for your case, and you want to make an investment in the level of representation that you need, then call my office immediately at 856-432-4113 or fill out my contact form to schedule an appointment to discuss your case! You will thank yourself later!

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Steven J. Richardson
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Bankruptcy, Collections, Student Loan, DUI and Traffic Court attorney in Woodbury, NJ.