DUI Defense Calls State Law Into Question

<p>Blood taken from an unconscious cab driver can be used against him in court after a crash that left two elderly women dead. The decision calls into question whether a law allowing blood to be drawn without a warrant is constitutional.</p>

Tuesday, October 11th 2016, 7:08 pm



Blood taken from an unconscious cab driver can be used against him in court after a crash that left two elderly women dead. The decision calls into question whether a law allowing blood to be drawn without a warrant is constitutional. 

It's a decision that pits a state statute against the US Constitution. And it could mean the difference between justice and injustice for a family in pain.

Luther Ford just misses his wife, Mary. The two were married for 44 years. In July 2013, a cab slammed into Mary's car, killing her best friend, Dorothy Crain, and leaving her paralyzed and in constant pain.

Two years after the crash, Ford says his wife finally died from her injuries. It's still hard to talk about.

Cab driver Ronnie Wright Jr., who has a long list of drug convictions, was charged with manslaughter and driving without a license. Police found a vial of PCP in his car, and drew blood from him while he was unconscious. 

A lower court ruled the blood couldn't be used in court because it was taken without Wright's consent and without a warrant. But the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled the decision is flawed because state statute allows authorities to draw blood in a crash where someone is seriously hurt or killed.

The case will now likely go before the Oklahoma Supreme Court to determine whether the state statute that allows blood to be collected without a warrant is constitutional.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

October 11th, 2016

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024

March 28th, 2024