Supreme Court Ruling Impacting Local DUI Cases
by Amanda Jones
Echo News Editor
A recent Supreme Court decision that is affecting court cases across the nation is also impacting cases in Cameron County.
During Return Day proceedings last Tuesday in Emporium, District Attorney Jeanne Miglicio stated she would not prosecute a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) against an Emporium woman due to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Birchfield v. North Dakota. The Justices ruled that blood testing was too intrusive, and that information other than blood alcohol content could be retrieved, so a warrant is necessary for a blood draw. Breathalyzer tests, however, are allowed to be performed without a warrant.