blood alcohol test (Washington) · Go Syfert
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blood alcohol test in Washington

56 Washington opinions name it 3 courts 1975–2024 2 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Washington courts in a sentence that names this issue. Sides come from how each citing opinion treated the case (Syfertize flag on that citation), so a case can appear on both: that is where the law is contested. A red or yellow chip is the case's own overall treatment.

Followed or applied (12)

CaseFollowedCited
Purchase v. Meyergreen
wash · 1987 · cited in 7 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2004–2019
2 sentences

2019Therefore, this argument is not persuasive. ¶26 Gerlach also argues that Dr. Vincenzi's testimony was properly excluded based on Purchase v. Meyer , 108 Wash.2d 220 , 737 P.2d 661 (1987), because evidence of how alcohol affected a person's behavior cannot be based on a blood alcohol test alone.

2019Therefore, this argument is not persuasive. ¶26 Gerlach also argues that Dr. Vincenzi's testimony was properly excluded based on Purchase v. Meyer , 108 Wash.2d 220 , 737 P.2d 661 (1987), because evidence of how alcohol affected a person's behavior cannot be based on a blood alcohol test alone.

27
South Dakota v. Nevillegreen
scotus · 1983 · cited in 7 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1986–2016
2 sentences

2014See also Neville, 459 U.S. at 566 (holding that due process is not violated when the government commented on the defendant’s refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test, because the government did not mislead the defendant into believing his refusal could not be used against him in a later trial).

2014The trial court does not err in giving the instruction when requested. 6 See also Neville. 459 U.S. at 566 (holding that due process is not violated when the government commented on the defendant's refusal to submit to a blood alcohol test, because the government did not mislead the defendant into believing his refusal could not be used against him in a later trial). 13 No. 69613-1-1/14 jd at 299.

27
City of Seattle v. Stalsbrotengreen
wash · 1999 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
2 sentences

2016Ed. 2d 748 (1983); Stalsbroten, 138 Wn.2d at 235-37 (using evidence of refusal to take a blood alcohol test permissible because “there is no constitutional right not to take the .. . test”)- Because we hold that Mecham did not have a constitutional right to refuse the FSTs, we also hold that the State did not violate his constitutional rights when it presented evidence against him at trial of his refusal to consent.

2016Ed. 2d 748 (1983); Stalsbroten, 138 Wn.2d at 235-37 (using evidence of refusal to take a blood alcohol test permissible because "there is no constitutional right not to take the test").

22
United States v. Robert James Snydergreen
ca9 · 1988 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2014–2015
2 sentences

2015The State cites United States v. Snyder, 852 F.2d 471, 473 (9th Cir. 1988), where the Ninth Circuit observed that "[t]he flaw in Snyder's argument is his attempt to divide his arrest, and the subsequent extraction and testing of his blood, into too many separate incidents, each to be given independent significance for fourth amendment purposes." It concluded that so long as the initial extraction of the blood was lawful (there, pursuant to a search incident to a valid arrest) "the subsequent performance of a blood-alcohol test has no independent significance for fourth amendment purposes. . .

2014For this proposition, the State relies on United States v. Snyder, 852 F.2d 471, 474 (9th Cir. 1988).

22
Christen v. Leegreen
wash · 1989 · cited in 4 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2004–2008
2 sentences

2008See Purchase, 108 Wn.2d at 226 (results of observations of behavior and BAC taken hours after service of alcohol did not establish overservice when nothing in the record suggested defendant appeared intoxicated at the bar); Christen, 113 Wn.2d at 488-89 (“neither the results of a blood alcohol test nor the appearance of a person a substantial time after the intoxicating liquor was served constitutes sufficient evidence of obvious intoxication”).

2008See, Purchase, 108 Wash.2d at 226 , 737 P.2d 661 (results of observations of behavior and BAC taken hours after service of alcohol did not establish overservice when nothing in the record suggested defendant appeared intoxicated at the bar); Christen, 113 Wash.2d at 488-89 , 780 P.2d 1307 ("neither the results of a blood alcohol test nor the appearance of a person a substantial time after the intoxicating liquor was served constitutes sufficient evidence of obvious intoxication.") Absent observational evidence that the drinker appeared under the influence of alcohol when served, a plaintiff ca

14
State v. Zwickergreen
wash · 1986 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1999–2024
2 sentences

2024Ed. 2d 748 (1983) (“In the context of an arrest for driving while intoxicated, a police inquiry of whether the suspect will take a blood-alcohol test is not an interrogation within the meaning of Miranda.”); State v. Zwicker, 105 Wn.2d 228, 243 , 713 P.2d 1101 (1986) (“[T]here is no coercion in obtaining refusal evidence where the accused is fully informed of the consequences of exercising the statutory right of refusal.”). 4 While we decline to review this claim, we note that Troutman does not assign error to the court’s failure to include a conclusion of law regarding CrR 3.1.

2024Ed. 2d 748 (1983) (“In the context of an arrest for driving while intoxicated, a police inquiry of whether the suspect will take a blood-alcohol test is not an interrogation within the meaning of Miranda.”); State v. Zwicker, 105 Wn.2d 228, 243 , 713 P.2d 1101 (1986) (“[T]here is no coercion in obtaining refusal evidence where the accused is fully informed of the consequences of exercising the statutory right of refusal.”). 4 While we decline to review this claim, we note that Troutman does not assign error to the court’s failure to include a conclusion of law regarding CrR 3.1.

13
State v. Bartelsgreen
wash · 1989 · cited in 3 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1992–2013
2 sentences

2013Codified at RCW 46.20.308, the law “provides law enforcement officers with an effective means of obtaining physical evidence of intoxication since any person operating a motor vehicle on the roads of this state is deemed to have consented to the administration of a blood alcohol test.” State v. Bartels, 112 Wn.2d 882, 885 , 774 P.2d 1183 (1989).

2013Codified at RCW 46.20.308, the law “provides law enforcement officers with an effective means of obtaining physical evidence of intoxication since any person operating a motor vehicle on the roads of this state is deemed to have consented to the administration of a blood alcohol test.” State v. Bartels, 112 Wn.2d 882, 885 , 774 P.2d 1183 (1989).

13
City of Seattle v. St. Johngreen
wash · 2009 · cited in 2 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2014–2020
2 sentences

2020See City of Seattle, 166 Wn.2d at 946 (“[A]n officer may obtain a blood alcohol test pursuant to a warrant regardless of the implied consent statute.”).

2014John, 166 Wn.2d 941, 946 , 215 P.3d 194 (2009), in which the Washington Supreme Court held that the plain language of RCW 46.20.308(1) allows officers to “obtain a search warrant for blood alcohol tests regardless of the implied consent statute” (Emphasis added.) In St.

12
State v. Ritzgreen
orctapp · 2015 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2016–2016
1 sentence

2016Id. at 99-101.

11
State v. Moralesgreen
washctapp · 2010 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 2012–2012
11
Gahagan v. Department of Licensinggreen
washctapp · 1990 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1992–1992
11
State Department of Motor Vehicles v. McElwaingreen
wash · 1972 · cited in 1 Washington opinions naming this issue, 1986–1986
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

CaseNegativeCited
No negative-treatment citations attached to this issue in Washington. Read the followed side critically anyway.

Also cited on this issue (54)

CaseCitedYears
Schmerber v. California green
scotus · 1966
2 sentences

2015Similarly, in Schmerber v. California. 384 U.S. 757, 768 , 86 S.Ct. 1826 , 16 LEd.2d 908 (1966), the U.S. Supreme Court viewed the seizure and separate search of blood as a single event, considering whether "the police were justified in requiring petitioner to submit to the blood test, and whether the means and procedures employed in taking his blood respected relevant Fourth Amendment standards of reasonableness." jd at 768.

2015Similarly, in Schmerber v. California. 384 U.S. 757, 768 , 86 S.Ct. 1826 , 16 LEd.2d 908 (1966), the U.S. Supreme Court viewed the seizure and separate search of blood as a single event, considering whether "the police were justified in requiring petitioner to submit to the blood test, and whether the means and procedures employed in taking his blood respected relevant Fourth Amendment standards of reasonableness." jd at 768.

42001–2015
State v. Hultenschmidt green
washctapp · 2004
2 sentences

2008State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wash.App. 259, 264 , 102 P.3d 192 (2004); Clark-Munoz, 152 Wash.2d at 44 , 93 P.3d 141 .

2008State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wn.

42006–2008
Shelby v. Keck green
wash · 1975
2 sentences

1984"The settled rule in this state as to actions based on the Halvorson line of cases is that a person's sobriety must be judged by the way she appeared to those around her, not by what a blood alcohol test may subsequently reveal." Wilson , at 439 (citing Barrie v. Hosts of Am., Inc., 94 Wn.2d 640 , 643 n.1, 618 P.2d 96 (1980); Shelby v. Keck, 85 Wn.2d 911, 915 , 541 P.2d 365 (1975)).

1984"The settled rule in this state as to actions based on the Halvorson line of cases is that a person's sobriety must be judged by the way she appeared to those around her, not by what a blood alcohol test may subsequently reveal." Wilson , at 439 (citing Barrie v. Hosts of Am., Inc., 94 Wn.2d 640 , 643 n.1, 618 P.2d 96 (1980); Shelby v. Keck, 85 Wn.2d 911, 915 , 541 P.2d 365 (1975)).

31982–1987
Wilson v. Steinbach green
wash · 1982
2 sentences

2015In Purchase v. Meyer, a restaurant was sued for serving alcohol to an "obviously intoxicated" person.76 For this cause of action, '"a person's sobriety must be judged by the way she appeared to those around her, not by what a blood alcohol test may subsequently reveal.'"77 Thus, a blood alcohol content test was not competent evidence that the patron was obviously intoxicated.78 But the present case does not involve that cause of action, or its requirement that the person appear "obviously intoxicated." In State v. Lewis, the defendant sought to introduce testimony that the murder victim had me

2015In Purchase v. Meyer, a restaurant was sued for serving alcohol to an "obviously intoxicated" person.76 For this cause of action, '"a person's sobriety must be judged by the way she appeared to those around her, not by what a blood alcohol test may subsequently reveal.'"77 Thus, a blood alcohol content test was not competent evidence that the patron was obviously intoxicated.78 But the present case does not involve that cause of action, or its requirement that the person appear "obviously intoxicated." In State v. Lewis, the defendant sought to introduce testimony that the murder victim had me

21986–2015
State v. Turpin green
wash · 1980
2 sentences

2010Turpin, 94 Wn.2d at 827 .

1984State v. Turpin, 94 Wn.2d 820, 824 , 620 P.2d 990 (1980).

21984–2010
State v. Neher green
wash · 1989
2 sentences

2009State v. Neher, 112 Wn.2d 347, 351 , 771 P.2d 330 (1989).

2009State v. Neher, 112 Wn.2d 347, 351 , 771 P.2d 330 (1989).

22009–2009
State v. Board of Yakima County Commissioners green
wash · 1994
2 sentences

2009If a statute's language is ambiguous, we construe the statute "`in the manner that best fulfills the legislative purpose and intent.'" Id. at 459 , 869 P.2d 56 (quoting In re Marriage of Kovacs, 121 Wash.2d 795, 804 , 854 P.2d 629 (1993)). ¶ 9 Under the implied consent statute, if a law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a motor vehicle driver has been driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (DUI), the driver may choose to undergo a blood alcohol test [1] or have his or her driver's license suspended for at least one year.

2009If a statute’s language is ambiguous, we construe the statute “ ‘in the manner that best fulfills the legislative purpose and intent.’ ” Id. at 459 (quoting In re Marriage of Kovacs, 121 Wn.2d 795, 804 , 854 P.2d 629 (1993)). ¶6 Under the implied consent statute, if a law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a motor vehicle driver has been driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (DUI), the driver may choose to undergo a blood alcohol test 1 or have his or her driver’s license suspended for at least one year.

22009–2009
In Re the Marriage of Kovacs green
wash · 1993
2 sentences

2009If a statute’s language is ambiguous, we construe the statute “ ‘in the manner that best fulfills the legislative purpose and intent.’ ” Id. at 459 (quoting In re Marriage of Kovacs, 121 Wn.2d 795, 804 , 854 P.2d 629 (1993)). ¶6 Under the implied consent statute, if a law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a motor vehicle driver has been driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (DUI), the driver may choose to undergo a blood alcohol test 1 or have his or her driver’s license suspended for at least one year.

2009If a statute’s language is ambiguous, we construe the statute “ ‘in the manner that best fulfills the legislative purpose and intent.’ ” Id. at 459 (quoting In re Marriage of Kovacs, 121 Wn.2d 795, 804 , 854 P.2d 629 (1993)). ¶6 Under the implied consent statute, if a law enforcement officer has reasonable grounds to believe that a motor vehicle driver has been driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug (DUI), the driver may choose to undergo a blood alcohol test 1 or have his or her driver’s license suspended for at least one year.

22009–2009
City of Seattle v. Clark-Munoz green
wash · 2004
2 sentences

2008State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wash.App. 259, 264 , 102 P.3d 192 (2004); Clark-Munoz, 152 Wash.2d at 44 , 93 P.3d 141 .

2006State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wash.App. 259, 264 , 102 P.3d 192 (2004); City of Seattle v. Clark-Munoz, 152 Wash.2d 39, 44 , 93 P.3d 141 (2004).

22006–2008
City of Seattle v. Clark-Munoz green
wash · 2004
2 sentences

2008State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wash.App. 259, 264 , 102 P.3d 192 (2004); Clark-Munoz, 152 Wash.2d at 44 , 93 P.3d 141 .

2006State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wash.App. 259, 264 , 102 P.3d 192 (2004); City of Seattle v. Clark-Munoz, 152 Wash.2d 39, 44 , 93 P.3d 141 (2004).

22006–2008
State v. Hultenschmidt green
washctapp · 2005
2 sentences

2008State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wash.App. 259, 264 , 102 P.3d 192 (2004); Clark-Munoz, 152 Wash.2d at 44 , 93 P.3d 141 .

2006State v. Hultenschmidt, 125 Wash.App. 259, 264 , 102 P.3d 192 (2004); City of Seattle v. Clark-Munoz, 152 Wash.2d 39, 44 , 93 P.3d 141 (2004).

22006–2008
State v. Clark green
washctapp · 1991
2 sentences

2006Clark, 62 Wash. App. at 267-69 , 814 P.2d 222 . [9] Although a blood alcohol test must strictly comply with the requirements of WAC 448-14, the WAC regulations only describe "the criteria any approved method must meet." Clark, 62 Wash.App. at 268 , 814 P.2d 222 .

2006App. at 267-69 . 9 Although a blood alcohol test must strictly comply with the requirements of chapter 448-14 WAC, the WAC regulations only describe “the criteria any approved method must meet.” Clark, 62 Wn.

22006–2006
State v. O'Neill green
wash · 2003
2 sentences

2006State v. O'Neill, 148 Wash.2d 564, 571 , 62 P.3d 489 (2003). ¶ 18 We conclude that Officer Huber had the statutory authority to obtain a blood sample without Kim's consent, and the trial court properly denied Kim's motion to suppress the results of the WSTL's blood alcohol test. 2.

2006State v. O’Neill, 148 Wn.2d 564, 571 , 62 P.3d 489 (2003). ¶18 We conclude that Officer Huber had the statutory authority to obtain a blood sample without Kim’s consent and the trial court properly denied Kim’s motion to suppress the results of the WSTL’s blood alcohol test. 2.

22006–2006
State v. O'NEILL green
wash · 2003
2 sentences

2006State v. O'Neill, 148 Wash.2d 564, 571 , 62 P.3d 489 (2003). ¶ 18 We conclude that Officer Huber had the statutory authority to obtain a blood sample without Kim's consent, and the trial court properly denied Kim's motion to suppress the results of the WSTL's blood alcohol test. 2.

2006State v. O’Neill, 148 Wn.2d 564, 571 , 62 P.3d 489 (2003). ¶18 We conclude that Officer Huber had the statutory authority to obtain a blood sample without Kim’s consent and the trial court properly denied Kim’s motion to suppress the results of the WSTL’s blood alcohol test. 2.

22006–2006
State v. Reier green
washctapp · 2005
2 sentences

2006State v. Reier, 127 Wn.

2006Reier, 127 Wn.

22006–2006
State v. Bostrom green
wash · 1995
2 sentences

2001State v. Bostrom, 127 Wn.2d 580, 590 , 902 P.2d 157 (1995) (citing Schmerber v. California, 384 U.S. 757 , 86 S. Ct. 1826 , 16 L.

2001State v. Bostrom, 127 Wn.2d 580, 590 , 902 P.2d 157 (1995) (citing Schmerber v. California, 384 U.S. 757 , 86 S. Ct. 1826 , 16 L.

22001–2001
Barrie v. Hosts of America, Inc. green
wash · 1980
2 sentences

1984"The settled rule in this state as to actions based on the Halvorson line of cases is that a person's sobriety must be judged by the way she appeared to those around her, not by what a blood alcohol test may subsequently reveal." Wilson , at 439 (citing Barrie v. Hosts of Am., Inc., 94 Wn.2d 640 , 643 n.1, 618 P.2d 96 (1980); Shelby v. Keck, 85 Wn.2d 911, 915 , 541 P.2d 365 (1975)).

1984"The settled rule in this state as to actions based on the Halvorson line of cases is that a person's sobriety must be judged by the way she appeared to those around her, not by what a blood alcohol test may subsequently reveal." Wilson , at 439 (citing Barrie v. Hosts of Am., Inc., 94 Wn.2d 640 , 643 n.1, 618 P.2d 96 (1980); Shelby v. Keck, 85 Wn.2d 911, 915 , 541 P.2d 365 (1975)).

21984–1987
State v. Wetherell green
wash · 1973
2 sentences

1982State v. Turpin, supra. 2 The State argues that because defendant consented to the blood alcohol test, it was not required to apprise him of his statutory right, relying on State v. Wetherell, 82 Wn.2d 865 , 514 P.2d 1069 (1973).

1982State v. Turpin, supra. 2 The State argues that because defendant consented to the blood alcohol test, it was not required to apprise him of his statutory right, relying on State v. Wetherell, 82 Wn.2d 865 , 514 P.2d 1069 (1973).

21980–1982
State v. Brown green
washctapp · 2008
1 sentence

2024State v. Brown, 145 Wn.

12024–2024
State v. Mullen green
washctapp · 2015
1 sentence

2018Mullen, 186 Wn.

12018–2018
State v. Judge green
wash · 1984
1 sentence

2016Id.

12016–2016
Bohnsack v. Kirkham green
wash · 1967
12015–2015
State v. Lewis neutral
washctapp · 2007
12015–2015
State v. Wilbur-Bobb neutral
washctapp · 2006
12015–2015
State v. Wilbur-Bobb neutral
washctapp · 2006
12015–2015
State v. Lewis green
washctapp · 2007
12015–2015
State v. Dempsey green
washctapp · 1997
12014–2014
State v. Brown green
washctapp · 2008
12014–2014
City of Seattle v. St. John green
wash · 2009
12014–2014
State v. Kennedy green
wash · 1986
12013–2013
State v. Ladson green
wash · 1999
12013–2013
State v. Ladson green
wash · 1999
12013–2013
State v. Carney green
washctapp · 2007
12013–2013
State v. Holcomb green
washctapp · 1982
12010–2010
State v. Anderson neutral
washctapp · 1996
12010–2010
State v. Schultz neutral
wash · 2002
12009–2009
State v. Schultz green
wash · 2002
12009–2009
City of Spokane v. Whitehead green
wash · 2006
12006–2006
State v. Scales green
wash · 2006
12006–2006
State v. Reier green
washctapp · 2005
12006–2006

Statutes the citing opinions construe

WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.20.308 (36) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.506 (29) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.502 (28) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.520 (13) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.522 (12) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.5055 (9) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.503 (7) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 66.44.200 (6) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 66.44.270 (5) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 46.61.517 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 66.08.010 (4) WA § Wash. Rev. Code § 7.16.040 (3)

Counted by distinct opinions that both name this issue and are annotated to the section; sections every opinion cites regardless of issue are not filtered here, so read the counts against the total above.

Where else courts name it

PA 131 (1970–2026) TX 130 (1961–2026) FL 102 (1967–2023) GA 95 (1966–2025) IL 94 (1972–2024) CA 85 (1960–2024) MO 83 (1968–2024) OH 75 (1973–2025) NY 66 (1970–2023) WA 56 (1975–2024) ND 52 (1980–2020) TN 51 (1975–2025) LA 50 (1976–2021) CO 48 (1946–2024) ME 48 (1969–2025) KS 47 (1966–2024) ID 46 (1971–2025) MI 45 (1975–2025) MN 44 (1975–2015) OR 40 (1973–2026) AL 39 (1980–2015) NM 32 (1964–2025) AZ 31 (1967–2020) MA 28 (1984–2023) MS 28 (1984–2024) VA 25 (1966–2019) WI 25 (1977–2024) CT 23 (1988–2026) MT 21 (1971–2024) MD 20 (1984–2022) NJ 18 (1965–2021) KY 18 (1971–2025) NH 18 (1984–2020) NC 17 (1973–2026) IN 15 (1976–2016) IA 15 (1973–2021) WY 14 (1968–2022) OK 14 (1973–2014) HI 14 (1995–2020) SD 13 (1969–2022) NE 12 (1977–2020) AK 11 (1974–2001) SC 11 (1990–2014) VT 11 (1965–2024) AR 10 (1988–2015) UT 8 (1979–2009) NV 7 (1969–2013) WV 7 (1980–2021) DE 7 (1973–2019) RI 6 (1984–2004) DC 4 (1983–2001)

Opinions by the citing court's state. A doctrine retained in one state and abandoned in another shows up here as a year span that stalls.

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