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

51 Tennessee opinions name it 3 courts 1975–2025 3 in the last five years

The cases below were cited by Tennessee 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 (35)

CaseFollowedCited
State v. Greenwoodgreen
tenncrimapp · 2003 · cited in 8 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2005–2025
2 sentences

2025This court has recognized that the results of “a proper blood alcohol test administered at a reasonable time after the defendant has been driving” is circumstantial evidence upon which the jury may rely in convicting the defendant of DUI, see State v. Greenwood, 115 S.W.3d 527, 532-33 (Tenn. Crim.

2024We have recognized that a blood alcohol test that is “administered at a ‘reasonable time’ after the defendant was driving” and that reflects a blood alcohol concentration greater than the statutory minimum, “constitutes circumstantial evidence upon which the 6 trier of fact may, but is not required to, convict the defendant of DUI.” State v. Greenwood, 115 S.W.3d 527, 532-33 (Tenn. Crim.

68
State v. Jerry Huskinsgreen
tenncrimapp · 1998 · cited in 4 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2001–2014
2 sentences

2014App. May 12, 1999) (quoting State v. Huskins, 989 S.W.2d 735, 738 (Tenn. Crim.

2013See State v. Huskins, 989 S.W.2d 735, 738 (Tenn. Crim.

34
State v. Morgangreen
tenncrimapp · 1985 · cited in 3 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1998–2013
2 sentences

2013See State v. Morgan, 692 S.W.2d 428, 430 (Tenn. Crim.

2012See State v. Morgan, 692 S.W.2d 428, 430 (Tenn. Crim.

33
State v. Gilbertgreen
tenncrimapp · 1988 · cited in 3 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2005–2016
2 sentences

2016State v. Gilbert, 751 S.W.2d 454, 460 (Tenn. Crim.

2005App. 1998) (statute’s purpose not to carve out a rule of exclusion when the provisions of subsection (a)(2) have not been followed; officer’s non-compliance with license suspension warning requirement does not warrant suppression of the defendant’s blood alcohol test results); State v. Gilbert, 751 S.W.2d 454, 460 (Tenn. Crim.

23
West v. Stategreen
tenn · 1968 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2012
2 sentences

2012In Tennessee, the definition of “arrest” is well-established; it is “‘the taking, seizing, or detaining of the person of another, either by touching or putting hands on him, or by any act which indicates an intention to take him into custody and subjects the person arrested to the actual control and will of the person making the arrest.’” State v. Crutcher, 989 S.W.2d 295, 301 (Tenn. 1999) (quoting West v. State, 425 S.W.2d 602, 605 (Tenn. 1968)).

2011In Tennessee, the definition of “arrest” is well-established; it is “ ‘the taking, seizing, or detaining of the person of another, either by touching or putting hands on him, or by any act which indicates an intention to take him into custody and subjects the person arrested to the actual control and will of the person making the arrest.’ ” Crutcher, 989 S.W.2d at 301 (quoting West v. State, 221 Tenn. 178 , 425 S.W.2d 602, 605 (1968)).

22
State v. Livesaygreen
tenncrimapp · 1996 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2001–2009
2 sentences

2009State v. Livesay, 941 S.W.2d 63, 66 (Tenn.Crim.App.1996).

2001See State v. Livesay, 941 S.W.2d 63, 66 (Tenn. Crim.

22
South Dakota v. Nevillegreen
scotus · 1983 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1986–2015
2 sentences

2015Id. at 564 . -7- that they do so.”).

1986South Dakota v. Neville, 459 U.S. 553 , 103 S.Ct. 916, 923, fn. 15 , 74 L.Ed.2d 748 (1983).

12
State v. Sensinggreen
tenn · 1992 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2001–2014
2 sentences

2014The Defendant filed a motion to suppress the results of the blood alcohol test based upon a violation of State v. Sensing, 843 S.W.2d 412 (Tenn. 1992).

2001Specifically, the Defendant argues that the State did not meet the requirements for admissibility set out in State v. Sensing, 843 S.W.2d 412, 416 (Tenn. 1992).

12
State v. Crutchergreen
tenn · 1999 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2012
2 sentences

2012In Tennessee, the definition of “arrest” is well-established; it is “‘the taking, seizing, or detaining of the person of another, either by touching or putting hands on him, or by any act which indicates an intention to take him into custody and subjects the person arrested to the actual control and will of the person making the arrest.’” State v. Crutcher, 989 S.W.2d 295, 301 (Tenn. 1999) (quoting West v. State, 425 S.W.2d 602, 605 (Tenn. 1968)).

2011In Tennessee, the definition of “arrest” is well-established; it is “ ‘the taking, seizing, or detaining of the person of another, either by touching or putting hands on him, or by any act which indicates an intention to take him into custody and subjects the person arrested to the actual control and will of the person making the arrest.’ ” Crutcher, 989 S.W.2d at 301 (quoting West v. State, 221 Tenn. 178 , 425 S.W.2d 602, 605 (1968)).

12
King v. Stategreen
tenncrimapp · 1980 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1997–1999
2 sentences

1999In addition , we reco gnized the prior ho lding by this Court tha t “admonitions prior to submitting to a blood alcohol test are not req uired to susta in a valid conse nt.” Id. (citing King v. State , 598 S.W.2d 834, 835 (Tenn. Crim.

1997King v. State, 598 S.W.2d 834 (Tenn.Crim.App.1980).

12
State v. Frasiergreen
tenn · 1996 · cited in 2 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1996–1998
2 sentences

1998As we have previously observed, an officer’s request that a driver submit to a blood alcohol test “is not governed by the Miranda rule.” State v. Snapp, 696 S.W.2d 370, 371 (Tenn.Crim.App.1985); see also State v. Frasier, 914 S.W.2d 467 , 471 n. 4 (Tenn.1996) (Miranda warnings not required in conjunction with request that driver take a blood alcohol test because test is not considered to be an interrogation) (Reid, J., dissenting); State v. Blackwood, 713 S.W.2d 677, 680 (Tenn.Crim.App.1986).

1996State v. Frasier, 914 S.W.2d 467 (Tenn.1996).

12
State v. Ralphgreen
tenncrimapp · 2010 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2025–2025
1 sentence

2025App. 2003), and “has repeatedly refused to set a bright line rule as to what constitutes ‘a reasonable time after the defendant - 37 - has been driving,’” see State v. Ralph, 347 S.W.3d 710, 716 (Tenn. Crim.

11
State v. McKimgreen
tenn · 2007 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015The evidence does not support a charge of vehicular homicide by intoxication, id. at (a)(2), because Defendant voluntarily submitted to a blood alcohol test within two hours of the accident which showed that she was not intoxicated. 5 We note that the supreme court has cautioned that “the circumstances of the offense and the need for deterrence „cannot be given controlling weight unless they are of such overwhelming significance that they [necessarily] outweigh all other factors.‟” Stanton, 395 S.W.3d at 686 (quoting McKim, 215 S.W.3d at 787 (emphasis and alteration in original)). -13- Parker

11
State v. Kinggreen
tenn · 2014 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2015–2015
1 sentence

2015See King, 432 S.W.3d at 326 .

11
State v. Collinsgreen
tenn · 2005 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2013–2013
1 sentence

2013See, e.g., State v. Collins, 166 S.W.3d 721, 728 (Tenn. 2005) (“The provisions for advising a driver of the consequences of refusing a drug or alcohol test only apply to the State’s ability to seek the civil penalty of license suspension . . . .

11
State v. Nidiffergreen
tenncrimapp · 2004 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Daniel, 12 S.W.3d at 423-24 (stating “the trial court’s conclusion that a seizure did not occur is a conclusion of law derived from an application of the law to the undisputed facts of this case”); State v. Nidiffer, 173 S.W.3d 62, 64 (Tenn.Crim.App. 2004) (reviewing issue of whether defendant was under arrest when he refused to consent to a blood alcohol test under de novo standard); State v. McCrary, 45 S.W.3d 36, 43 (Tenn.Crim.App.2000) (stating that “[i]n contrast to the determination of when a seizure has occurred, the determination of whether a consent to a search was voluntarily giv

11
State v. McCrarygreen
tenncrimapp · 2000 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Daniel, 12 S.W.3d at 423-24 (stating “the trial court’s conclusion that a seizure did not occur is a conclusion of law derived from an application of the law to the undisputed facts of this case”); State v. Nidiffer, 173 S.W.3d 62, 64 (Tenn.Crim.App. 2004) (reviewing issue of whether defendant was under arrest when he refused to consent to a blood alcohol test under de novo standard); State v. McCrary, 45 S.W.3d 36, 43 (Tenn.Crim.App.2000) (stating that “[i]n contrast to the determination of when a seizure has occurred, the determination of whether a consent to a search was voluntarily giv

11
United States v. Isabel G. Hernandezgreen
ca5 · 1987 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Daniel, 12 S.W.3d at 423-24 (stating “the trial court’s conclusion that a seizure did not occur is a conclusion of law derived from an application of the law to the undisputed facts of this case”); State v. Nidiffer, 173 S.W.3d 62, 64 (Tenn.Crim.App. 2004) (reviewing issue of whether defendant was under arrest when he refused to consent to a blood alcohol test under de novo standard); State v. McCrary, 45 S.W.3d 36, 43 (Tenn.Crim.App.2000) (stating that “[i]n contrast to the determination of when a seizure has occurred, the determination of whether a consent to a search was voluntarily giv

11
State v. Danielgreen
tenn · 2000 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2011–2011
1 sentence

2011See Daniel, 12 S.W.3d at 423-24 (stating “the trial court’s conclusion that a seizure did not occur is a conclusion of law derived from an application of the law to the undisputed facts of this case”); State v. Nidiffer, 173 S.W.3d 62, 64 (Tenn.Crim.App. 2004) (reviewing issue of whether defendant was under arrest when he refused to consent to a blood alcohol test under de novo standard); State v. McCrary, 45 S.W.3d 36, 43 (Tenn.Crim.App.2000) (stating that “[i]n contrast to the determination of when a seizure has occurred, the determination of whether a consent to a search was voluntarily giv

11
State v. Stadegreen
me · 1996 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2005–2005
1 sentence

2005See State v. Stade, 683 A.2d 164, 166 (Me.1996) (“[Although the State’s interest in preventing drunk drivers from operating on our highways is great, the State has no legitimate interest in allowing its law enforcement officers ... to affirmatively mislead citizens about the consequences of taking or failing to take a blood-alcohol test.”).

11
Crawford v. Washingtongreen
scotus · 2004 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
1 sentence

2004See Crawford v. Washington, ___ U.S. ___, 124 S. Ct. 1354 (2004) (general historical discussion of Confrontation Clause).

11
State v. Vassergreen
tenncrimapp · 1993 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
1 sentence

2004Had the Appellant pled guilty under count two, driving while her alcohol content was .10 percent or more in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section 55-10-401(a)(2), the blood alcohol test would have been dispositive of the case. -3- State v. Vasser, 870 S.W.2d 543, 544 (Tenn. Crim.

11
State v. Cordergreen
tenncrimapp · 1992 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2004–2004
11
State v. Goldstongreen
tenncrimapp · 1999 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2003–2003
11
State v. Browngreen
tenn · 1977 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2001–2001
11
Lattarulo v. Stategreen
ga · 1991 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 2000–2000
11
State v. Snappgreen
tenncrimapp · 1985 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
11
State v. Blackwoodgreen
tenncrimapp · 1986 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
11
Jackson v. Virginiared
scotus · 1979 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1998–1998
11
State v. Bradengreen
tenncrimapp · 1993 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1997–1997
11
Rhode Island v. Innisgreen
scotus · 1980 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1996–1996
11
Crawley v. Stategreen
tenn · 1967 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1985–1985
11
Greer v. Lawhongreen
tennctapp · 1980 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1984–1984
11
Law v. Louisville N.R. Co.green
tenn · 1943 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1984–1984
11
Edwards v. Stategreen
tenn · 1957 · cited in 1 Tennessee opinions naming this issue, 1977–1977
11

Distinguished, questioned or overruled (0)

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

Also cited on this issue (18)

CaseCitedYears
Schmerber v. California green
scotus · 1966
2 sentences

1996In its rationale as to the Fifth Amendment claim, the Court first noted that Schmerber v. California, 384 U.S. 757 , 86 S.Ct. 1826 , 16 L.Ed.2d 908 (1966), clearly established that a State could compel a defendant to submit to a blood alcohol test without violating the Fifth Amendment.

1996In its rationale as to the Fifth Amendment claim, the Court first noted that Schmerber v. California, 384 U.S. 757 , 86 S.Ct. 1826 , 16 L.Ed.2d 908 (1966), clearly established that a State could compel a defendant to submit to a blood alcohol test without violating the Fifth Amendment.

21975–1996
Bullcoming v. New Mexico green
scotus · 2011
1 sentence

2016VI, XIV; Bullcoming v. New Mexico, 564 U.S. 647 (2011) (holding that the Confrontation Clause provided a criminal defendant with the right to confront an analyst who conducted a blood alcohol analysis before testimonial report authored by the analyst could be received as evidence); Tenn. R.

12016–2016
Sidney S. Stanton III v. State of Tennessee green
tenn · 2013
1 sentence

2015The evidence does not support a charge of vehicular homicide by intoxication, id. at (a)(2), because Defendant voluntarily submitted to a blood alcohol test within two hours of the accident which showed that she was not intoxicated. 5 We note that the supreme court has cautioned that “the circumstances of the offense and the need for deterrence „cannot be given controlling weight unless they are of such overwhelming significance that they [necessarily] outweigh all other factors.‟” Stanton, 395 S.W.3d at 686 (quoting McKim, 215 S.W.3d at 787 (emphasis and alteration in original)). -13- Parker

12015–2015
State v. Roy A. Jordan green
tenncrimapp · 1999
1 sentence

2014Jordan, 7 S.W.3d at 99 .

12014–2014
Wyrick v. Fields green
scotus · 1982
2 sentences

2013In Wyrick v. Fields, 459 U.S. 42 , 103 S. Ct. 394 , 74 L.

2013In Wyrick v. Fields, 459 U.S. 42 , 103 S. Ct. 394 , 74 L.

12013–2013
State v. Pully green
tenn · 1993
2 sentences

2009We reversed upon consideration of the following three factors: “‘(i) the public interest served by the seizure, (ii) the nature and scope of the intrusion, and (iii) the objective facts upon which the law enforcement officer relied in light of his knowledge and experience.’” Pulley, 863 S.W.2d at 34 (quoting Mendenhall, 446 U.S. at 561 ).

2009We reversed upon consideration of the following three factors: “ ‘(i) the public interest served by the seizure, (ii) the nature and scope of the intrusion, and (iii) the objective facts upon which the law enforcement officer relied in light of his knowledge and experience.’ ” Pulley, 863 S.W.2d at 34 (quoting Mendenhall, 446 U.S. at 561 , 100 S.Ct. 1870 ).

12009–2009
Brown v. Municipal Court green
calctapp · 1978
1 sentence

2009This court, in Livesay stated, “We do not believe that simply suppressing the State’s blood alcohol test is a sufficient safeguard of the [defendant's right to be able to gather and preserve evidence in his defense.” Id.

12009–2009
United States v. Mendenhall green
scotus · 1980
2 sentences

2009We reversed upon consideration of the following three factors: “ ‘(i) the public interest served by the seizure, (ii) the nature and scope of the intrusion, and (iii) the objective facts upon which the law enforcement officer relied in light of his knowledge and experience.’ ” Pulley, 863 S.W.2d at 34 (quoting Mendenhall, 446 U.S. at 561 , 100 S.Ct. 1870 ).

2009We reversed upon consideration of the following three factors: “ ‘(i) the public interest served by the seizure, (ii) the nature and scope of the intrusion, and (iii) the objective facts upon which the law enforcement officer relied in light of his knowledge and experience.’ ” Pulley, 863 S.W.2d at 34 (quoting Mendenhall, 446 U.S. at 561 , 100 S.Ct. 1870 ).

12009–2009
State v. Ferguson green
tenncrimapp · 1987
12003–2003
Haas v. State green
fla · 1992
12003–2003
State v. McClintock green
tenn · 1987
11999–1999
State v. Golden green
tenncrimapp · 1996
11998–1998
Commonwealth v. Kelley green
mass · 1989
11996–1996
Commonwealth v. Rosewarne green
mass · 1991
11996–1996
Breithaupt v. Abram green
scotus · 1957
11975–1975
Strong v. State green
ga · 1973
11975–1975
People v. Keen green
michctapp · 1974
11975–1975
Scales v. State green
wis · 1974
11975–1975

Statutes the citing opinions construe

TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-401 (28) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-406 (18) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-213 (7) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-401 (7) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-408 (7) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-103 (5) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-113 (5) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-210 (5) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-10-410 (5) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-106 (4) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-102 (4) TN § Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-35-114 (4)

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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