missouri mcneely argued january decided april respondent mcneely stopped missouri police officer speeding crossing centerline declining take breath test measure blood alcohol concentration bac arrested taken nearby hospital blood testing officer never attempted secure search warrant mcneely refused consent blood test officer directed lab technician take sample mcneely bac tested well legal limit charged driving intoxicated dwi moved suppress blood test result arguing taking blood without warrant violated fourth amendment rights trial agreed concluding exigency exception warrant requirement apply apart fact mcneely blood alcohol dissipating circumstances suggested officer faced emergency state affirmed relying schmerber california upheld dwi suspect warrantless blood test officer might reasonably believed confronted emergency delay necessary obtain warrant circumstances threatened destruction evidence case state found involved routine dwi investigation factors natural dissipation blood alcohol suggested emergency thus nonconsensual warrantless test violated mcneely right free unreasonable searches person held judgment affirmed affirmed justice sotomayor delivered opinion respect parts iv concluding investigations natural dissipation alcohol bloodstream constitute exigency every case sufficient justify conducting blood test without warrant pp principle warrantless search person reasonable falls within recognized exception see robinson applies search involved compelled physical intrusion beneath mcneely skin veins obtain blood sample use evidence criminal investigation one recognized exception applies exigencies situation make needs law enforcement compelling warrantless search objectively reasonable kentucky king looks totality circumstances determining whether exigency exits see brigham city stuart applying approach schmerber found warrantless blood test reasonable considering facts circumstances case carefully basing holding specific facts including alcohol levels decline drinking stops testing delayed officers transported injured suspect hospital investigated accident scene pp state nonetheless seeks per se rule contending exigent circumstances necessarily exist officer probable cause believe person driving influence alcohol bac evidence inherently evanescent though person blood alcohol level declines alcohol eliminated follow depart careful assessment exigency officers investigations reasonably obtain warrant blood sample drawn without significantly undermining efficacy search fourth amendment mandates see mcdonald circumstances may make obtaining warrant impractical alcohol dissipation support exigency reason decide case facts schmerber accept considerable overgeneralization per se rule reflect richards wisconsin blood testing different critical respects cases unlike situation suspect control easily disposable evidence see cupp murphy bac evidence naturally dissipates gradual relatively predictable manner moreover officer must typically take dwi suspect medical facility obtain trained medical professional assistance blood test conducted delay time arrest accident time test inevitable regardless whether warrant obtained state rule also fails account advances years since schmerber decided allow expeditious processing warrant applications particularly contexts like investigations evidence supporting probable cause simple natural dissipation alcohol blood may support exigency finding specific case schmerber categorically pp state sought per se rule argue exigent circumstances particular case arguments record thus provide adequate framework detailed discussion relevant factors taken account determining reasonableness acting without warrant suffices say metabolization alcohol bloodstream ensuing loss evidence among factors must considered deciding whether warrant required pp justice sotomayor joined justice scalia justice ginsburg justice kagan concluded part iii arguments advanced state amici support per se rule unpersuasive concern approach exigency provide adequate guidance law enforcement officers may make desire rule understandable fourth amendment tolerate adoption overly broad categorical approach context totality circumstances approach hardly unique within fourth amendment jurisprudence see illinois wardlow also contend privacy interest implicated minimal motorists diminished expectation privacy diminish privacy interest preventing government agent piercing skin though blood test conducted medical setting trained personnel less intrusive bodily invasions never retreated recognition compelled intrusion human body implicates significant constitutionally protected privacy interests finally government general interest combating drunk driving justify departing warrant requirement without showing exigent circumstances make securing warrant impractical particular case pp sotomayor announced judgment delivered opinion respect parts iv scalia kennedy ginsburg kagan joined opinion respect parts iii scalia ginsburg kagan joined kennedy filed opinion concurring part roberts filed opinion concurring part dissenting part breyer alito joined thomas filed dissenting opinion opinion notice opinion subject formal revision publication preliminary print reports readers requested notify reporter decisions washington typographical formal errors order corrections may made preliminary print goes press missouri petitioner tyler mcneely writ certiorari missouri april justice sotomayor announced judgment delivered opinion respect parts iv opinion respect parts iii justice scalia justice ginsburg justice kagan join schmerber california upheld warrantless blood test individual arrested driving influence alcohol officer might reasonably believed confronted emergency delay necessary obtain warrant circumstances threatened destruction evidence internal quotation marks omitted question presented whether natural metabolization alcohol bloodstream presents per se exigency justifies exception fourth amendment warrant requirement nonconsensual blood testing cases conclude hold consistent general fourth amendment principles exigency context must determined case case based totality circumstances highway patrol approximately missouri police officer stopped tyler mcneely truck observing exceed posted speed limit repeatedly cross centerline officer noticed several signs mcneely intoxicated including mcneely bloodshot eyes slurred speech smell alcohol breath mcneely acknowledged officer consumed couple beers bar app appeared unsteady feet exited truck mcneely performed poorly battery tests declined use portable device measure blood alcohol concentration bac officer placed arrest officer began transport mcneely station house mcneely indicated refuse provide breath sample officer changed course took mcneely nearby hospital blood testing officer attempt secure warrant upon arrival hospital officer asked mcneely whether consent blood test reading standard implied consent form officer explained mcneely state law refusal submit voluntarily test lead immediate revocation driver license one year used future prosecution see mo ann stat west mcneely nonetheless refused officer directed hospital lab technician take blood sample sample secured approximately subsequent laboratory testing measured mcneely bac percent well legal limit percent see mcneely charged driving intoxicated dwi violation moved suppress results blood test arguing relevant part circumstances taking blood chemical testing without first obtaining search warrant violated rights fourth amendment trial agreed concluded exigency exception warrant requirement apply apart fact cases involving intoxication mcneely blood alcohol metabolized liver circumstances suggesting officer faced emergency practicably obtain warrant cir cape giradeau div ii mar app pet cert appeal missouri appeals stated intention reverse transferred case directly missouri ed june missouri affirmed per curiam recognizing decision schmerber california provide backdrop analysis missouri held schmerber directs lower courts engage totality circumstances analysis determining whether exigency permits nonconsensual warrantless blood draw concluded schmerber requires mere dissipation evidence support warrantless blood draw case according exigency depends heavily existence additional facts whether officer delayed need investigate accident transport injured suspect hospital case schmerber finding unquestionably routine dwi case factors natural dissipation suggested emergency held nonconsensual warrantless blood draw violated mcneely fourth amendment right free unreasonable searches person granted certiorari resolve split authority question whether natural dissipation alcohol bloodstream establishes per se exigency suffices justify exception warrant requirement nonconsensual blood testing see affirm ii fourth amendment provides relevant part right people secure persons houses papers effects unreasonable searches seizures shall violated warrants shall issue upon probable cause cases held warrantless search person reasonable falls within recognized exception see robinson principle applies type search issue case involved compelled physical intrusion beneath mcneely skin veins obtain sample blood use evidence criminal investigation invasion bodily integrity implicates individual personal expectations privacy winston lee see also skinner railway labor executives first considered fourth amendment restrictions searches schmerber case blood sample drawn defendant suspected driving influence alcohol noting earch warrants ordinarily required searches dwellings reasoned absent emergency less required intrusions human body concerned even search conducted following lawful arrest explained importance requiring authorization detached allowing law enforcement officer invade another body search evidence guilt indisputable great ibid quoting johnson noted warrant requirement subject exceptions one exception one issue case applies exigencies situation make needs law enforcement compelling warrantless search objectively reasonable fourth amendment kentucky king slip internal quotation marks brackets omitted variety circumstances may give rise exigency sufficient justify warrantless search including law enforcement need provide emergency assistance occupant home michigan fisher per curiam engage hot pursuit fleeing suspect santana enter burning building put fire investigate cause michigan tyler relevant also recognized circumstances law enforcement officers may conduct search without warrant prevent imminent destruction evidence see cupp murphy ker california plurality opinion contexts necessarily involve equivalent dangers warrantless search potentially reasonable compelling need official action time secure warrant tyler determine whether law enforcement officer faced emergency justified acting without warrant looks totality circumstances see brigham city stuart finding officers entry home provide emergency assistance plainly reasonable circumstances illinois mcarthur concluding warrantless seizure person prevent returning trailer destroy hidden contraband reasonable circumstances case us due exigency cupp holding limited warrantless search suspect fingernails preserve evidence suspect trying rub justified facts case see also richards wisconsin rejecting per se exception requirement felony drug investigations based presumed exigency requiring instead evaluation police conduct particular case apply finely tuned approach fourth amendment reasonableness context police action issue lacks traditional justification warrant provides atwater lago vista absent established justification nature reasonableness inquiry ohio robinette demands evaluate case alleged exigency based facts circumstances importing decision schmerber applied totality circumstances approach case petitioner suffered injuries automobile accident taken hospital receiving treatment police officer arrested petitioner driving influence alcohol ordered blood test objection explaining warrant requirement applied generally searches intrude human body concluded warrantless blood test present case nonetheless permissible officer might reasonably believed confronted emergency delay necessary obtain warrant circumstances threatened destruction evidence quoting preston support conclusion observed evidence lost percentage alcohol blood begins diminish shortly drinking stops body functions eliminate system added articularly case time taken bring accused hospital investigate scene accident time seek magistrate secure warrant given special facts found appropriate police act without warrant held blood test issue reasonable way recover evidence highly effective involve virtually risk trauma pain conducted reasonable fashion physician hospital environment according accepted medical practices ibid conclusion noted judgment fourth amendment violation strictly based facts present record thus analysis schmerber fits comfortably within case law applying exigent circumstances exception finding warrantless blood test reasonable schmerber considered facts circumstances particular case carefully based holding specific facts state properly recognizes reasonableness warrantless search exigency exception warrant requirement must evaluated based totality circumstances brief petitioner state nevertheless seeks per se rule blood testing cases state contends whenever officer probable cause believe individual driving influence alcohol exigent circumstances necessarily exist bac evidence inherently evanescent result state claims long officer probable cause blood test conducted reasonable manner categorically reasonable law enforcement obtain blood sample without warrant true result human body natural metabolic processes alcohol level person blood begins dissipate alcohol fully absorbed continues decline alcohol eliminated see skinner schmerber testimony trial case indicated percentage alcohol individual blood typically decreases approximately percent percent per hour alcohol fully absorbed app precise calculations rate alcohol dissipates depend various individual characteristics weight gender alcohol tolerance circumstances alcohol consumed see stripp forensic clinical issues alcohol analysis forensic chemistry handbook kobilinsky ed regardless exact elimination rate sufficient purposes note individual alcohol level gradually declines soon stops drinking significant delay testing negatively affect probative value results fact essential holding schmerber recognized circumstances delay order secure warrant time spent investigating scene accident transporting injured suspect hospital receive treatment threatened destruction evidence follow depart careful assessment exigency adopt categorical rule proposed state amici investigations police officers reasonably obtain warrant blood sample drawn without significantly undermining efficacy search fourth amendment mandates see mcdonald excuse absence search warrant without showing seek exemption constitutional mandate exigencies situation made search imperative doubt circumstances make obtaining warrant impractical dissipation alcohol bloodstream support exigency justifying properly conducted warrantless blood test however reason decide case facts schmerber accept considerable overgeneralization per se rule reflect richards context blood testing different critical respects cases police truly confronted situation roaden kentucky contrast example circumstances suspect control easily disposable evidence see georgia randolph cupp bac evidence suspect naturally dissipates time gradual relatively predictable manner moreover police officer must typically transport suspect medical facility obtain assistance someone appropriate medical training conducting blood test delay time arrest accident time test inevitable regardless whether police officers required obtain warrant see state shriner meyer dissenting reality undermines force state contention endorsed dissent see post opinion thomas recognize categorical exception warrant requirement bac evidence actively destroyed every minute passes brief petitioner consider example situation warrant process significantly increase delay blood test conducted officer take steps secure warrant suspect transported medical facility another officer circumstance plausible justification exception warrant requirement state proposed per se rule also fails account advances years since schmerber decided allow expeditious processing warrant applications particularly contexts like investigations evidence offered establish probable cause simple federal rules criminal procedure amended permit federal magistrate judges issue warrant based sworn testimony communicated telephone see stat amended law allows federal magistrate judge consider information communicated telephone reliable electronic means fed rule crim proc also innovated well majority allow police officers prosecutors apply search warrants remotely various means including telephonic radio communication electronic communication video addition developments jurisdictions found ways streamline warrant process using warrant applications means claim telecommunications innovations eliminate delay process warrants inevitably take time police officers prosecutors complete magistrate judges review telephonic electronic warrants may still require officers follow formalities designed create adequate record preparing duplicate warrant calling magistrate judge see fed rule crim proc improvements communications technology guarantee magistrate judge available officer needs warrant making arrest technological developments enable police officers secure warrants quickly without undermining neutral magistrate judge essential role check police discretion relevant assessment exigency particularly context bac evidence lost gradually relatively course important countervailing concerns experts work backwards bac time sample taken determine bac time alleged offense longer intervals may raise questions accuracy calculation reason exigent circumstances justifying warrantless blood sample may arise regular course law enforcement due delays warrant application process adopting state per se approach improperly ignore current future technological developments warrant procedures might well diminish incentive jurisdictions pursue progressive approaches warrant acquisition preserve protections afforded warrant meeting legitimate interests law enforcement state rodriguez ut short natural dissipation alcohol blood may support finding exigency specific case schmerber categorically whether warrantless blood test suspect reasonable must determined case case based totality circumstances opinion concurring part dissenting part chief justice agrees state proposed per se rule overbroad exigent circumstances justify warrantless search must time secure warrant post quoting tyler chief justice goes suggest categorical rule warrantless blood draw permissible officer secure warrant reasonably believed secure warrant time takes transport suspect hospital similar facility obtain medical assistance post although agree delay inherent process relevant evaluating exigency see supra decline substitute chief justice modified per se rule traditional totality circumstances analysis one thing making exigency completely dependent window time arrest blood test produces odd consequences chief justice rule police officer serendipitously stops suspect near emergency room officer may conduct nonconsensual warrantless blood draw even agree warrant obtained little delay circumstances perhaps far less delay average ride hospital jurisdiction rule also distort law enforcement incentives state per se rule chief justice rule might discourage efforts expedite warrant process categorically authorizes warrantless blood draws long takes time secure warrant obtain medical assistance flip side making requirement independent judicial oversight turn exclusively amount time elapses arrest bac testing induce police departments individual officers minimize testing delay detriment values chief justice correctly observes case involves medical personnel drawing blood medical facility police officers side road post chief justice say roadside blood draws necessarily unreasonable accepted chief justice approach become attractive option police iii remaining arguments advanced support per se exigency rule unpersuasive state several amici including express concern approach exigency provide adequate guidance law enforcement officers deciding whether conduct blood test suspect without warrant chief justice dissent also raise concern see post opinion roberts post opinion thomas desire rule understandable fourth amendment tolerate adoption overly broad categorical approach dilute warrant requirement context significant privacy interests stake moreover approach hardly unique within fourth amendment jurisprudence numerous police actions judged based totality circumstances analyses rather according categorical rules including situations likely require police officers make difficult judgments see illinois wardlow whether officer reasonable suspicion make investigative stop pat suspect weapons terry ohio robinette whether valid consent given search tennessee garner whether force used effectuate seizure including deadly force reasonable contexts see valid substitute careful evaluation reasonableness next state contend privacy interest implicated blood draws suspects relatively minimal claim motorists diminished expectation privacy cases repeatedly indicated blood testing commonplace society typically involves virtually risk trauma pain schmerber see also post opinion thomas fact people accorded less privacy automobiles th compelling governmental need regulation california carney diminish motorist privacy interest preventing agent government piercing skin nature blood test conducted medical setting trained personnel concededly less intrusive bodily invasions found unreasonable see winston surgery remove bullet rochin california induced vomiting extract narcotics capsules ingested suspect violated due process clause reason held medically drawn blood tests reasonable appropriate circumstances see skinner upholding warrantless blood testing railroad employees involved certain train accidents special needs doctrine schmerber never retreated however recognition compelled intrusion human body implicates significant constitutionally protected privacy interests finally state amici point compelling governmental interest combating drunk driving contend prompt bac testing including blood testing vital pursuit interest argue particularly addition laws make illegal operate motor vehicle influence alcohol district columbia enacted laws make per se unlawful operate motor vehicle bac percent see national highway traffic safety admin nhtsa alcohol highway safety review state knowledge mar nhtsa review enforce provisions reasonably assert accurate bac evidence critical see also post opinion roberts post opinion thomas one seriously dispute magnitude drunken driving problem interest eradicating michigan dept state police sitz certainly progress made drunk driving continues exact terrible toll society see nhtsa traffic safety facts data reporting people killed driving crashes average one fatality every minutes general importance government interest area justify departing warrant requirement without showing exigent circumstances make securing warrant impractical particular case extent state amici contend applying traditional fourth amendment analysis determine whether exigency justified warrantless search undermine governmental interest preventing prosecuting offenses convinced initial matter broad range legal tools enforce laws secure bac evidence without undertaking warrantless nonconsensual blood draws example adopted implied consent laws require motorists condition operating motor vehicle within state consent bac testing arrested otherwise detained suspicion offense see nhtsa review supra describing missouri implied consent law laws impose significant consequences motorist withdraws consent typically motorist driver license immediately suspended revoked allow motorist refusal take bac test used evidence subsequent criminal prosecution see nhtsa review see also south dakota neville holding use adverse inference violate fifth amendment right also notable majority either place significant restrictions police officers may obtain blood sample despite suspect refusal often limiting testing cases involving accident resulting death serious bodily injury prohibit nonconsensual blood tests among several lift restrictions nonconsensual blood testing law enforcement officers first obtain search warrant similar cf bullcoming new mexico slip noting blood test obtained pursuant warrant petitioner refused breath test aware evidence indicating restrictions nonconsensual blood testing compromised enforcement efforts fact field studies permit nonconsensual blood testing pursuant warrant suggested although warrants impose administrative burdens use reduce rates improve law enforcement ability recover bac evidence see nhtsa use warrants breath test refusal case studies sure may choos protect privacy beyond level fourth amendment requires virginia moore state restrictions nonconsensual blood testing provide support recognition compelled blood draws implicate significant privacy interest also strongly suggest ruling today severely hamper effective law enforcement garner iv state argued fact alcohol naturally metabolized human body creates exigent circumstance every case state argue exigent circumstances particular case warrant obtained within reasonable amount time testimony trial arresting officer identify factors suggest faced emergency unusual delay securing warrant app testified made effort obtain search warrant conducting blood draw even though sure prosecuting attorney call even though reason believe magistrate judge unavailable officer also acknowledged obtained search warrants taking blood samples past without difficulty explained elected forgo warrant application case believed legally necessary obtain warrant based testimony trial concluded exigency specifically found although arrest took place middle night prosecutor readily available apply search warrant judge readily available issue warrant app pet cert missouri turn affirmed judgment holding first dissipation alcohol establish per se exigency second state otherwise satisfy burden establishing exigent circumstances petitioning certiorari state challenged first holding separately contend warrantless blood test reasonable regardless whether natural dissipation alcohol suspect blood categorically justifies dispensing warrant requirement see pet cert courts state based case insistence driver declines submit testing arrested driving influence alcohol always subject nonconsensual blood test without precondition warrant incorrect although missouri referred case unquestionably routine dwi case fact particular stop routine sense involve facts need police attend car accident mean warrant required factors present ordinary traffic stop procedures place obtaining warrant availability magistrate judge may affect whether police obtain warrant expeditious way therefore may establish exigency permits warrantless search relevant factors determining whether warrantless search reasonable including practical problems obtaining warrant within timeframe still preserves opportunity obtain reliable evidence doubt vary depending upon circumstances case case argued broad proposition cases present per se exigency arguments record provide adequate analytic framework detailed discussion relevant factors taken account determining reasonableness acting without warrant suffices say metabolization alcohol bloodstream ensuing loss evidence among factors must considered deciding whether warrant required doubt given large number arrests offense different jurisdictions nationwide cases arise anticipated delays obtaining warrant justify blood test without judicial authorization every case law must concerned evidence destroyed inquiry pursued question properly rejected sole argument presented us challenging missouri decision affirm judgment hold investigations natural dissipation alcohol bloodstream constitute exigency every case sufficient justify conducting blood test without warrant judgment missouri affirmed ordered kennedy concurring part missouri petitioner tyler mcneely writ certiorari missouri april justice kennedy concurring part join parts iv opinion reasons stated case call consider detail issue discussed part separate opinion chief justice part iii much noted respect statistical survey data relevance issue explored later cases repeated insistence part iii every case determined circumstances correct course general proposition yet interpreted indicate question susceptible rules guidelines give important practical instruction arresting officers instruction number instances allow warrantless blood test order preserve critical evidence governmental entities enforce driving laws adopt rules procedures protocols meet reasonableness requirements fourth amendment give helpful guidance law enforcement officials due course may find appropriate necessary consider case permitting provide guidance undertakes give today opinion correct note instant case reason way presented decided state courts provide framework prudent hold always dispensing warrant blood test driver arrested influence alcohol inconsistent fourth amendment opinion roberts missouri petitioner tyler mcneely writ certiorari missouri april chief justice roberts justice breyer justice alito join concurring part dissenting part police officer reading opinion idea idea fourth amendment requires decides obtain blood sample drunk driving suspect refused breathalyzer test quarrel totality circumstances approach general matter cases require circumstances drunk driving cases often typical able offer guidance police handle cases like one us view proper rule straightforward cases establish exigent circumstances exception warrant requirement exception applies compelling need prevent imminent destruction important evidence time obtain warrant natural dissipation alcohol bloodstream constitutes imminent ongoing destruction critical evidence qualify exigent circumstance except may time secure warrant blood drawn officer must seek warrant officer reasonably conclude exigent circumstances exception applies terms blood may drawn without warrant fourth amendment provides right people secure persons houses papers effects unreasonable searches seizures shall violated warrants shall issue upon probable cause supported oath affirmation particularly describing place searched persons things seized language state warrants required prior searches long held warrants must generally obtained see kentucky king slip also held bodily intrusions like blood draws constitute searches subject warrant requirement see schmerber california however ultimate touchstone fourth amendment brigham city stuart thus warrant requirement subject certain reasonable exceptions king slip one exceptions known exigent circumstances exception applies exigencies situation make needs law enforcement compelling warrantless search objectively reasonable fourth amendment ibid internal quotation marks alterations omitted within exigent circumstances exception identified several sets exigent circumstances excusing need warrant example emergency aid exception warrant requirement brigham city supra held law enforcement officers may enter home without warrant render emergency assistance injured occupant protect occupant imminent injury also fire exception warrant requirement michigan tyler held burning building clearly presents exigency sufficient proportions render warrantless entry hot exception warrant requirement well santana warden md penitentiary hayden recognized right police probable cause believe armed robber entered house minutes make warrantless entry arrest robber search weapons santana supra cases requirement base decision totality circumstances prevented us spelling general rule police follow exigency exception point one imminent destruction evidence affirmed several occasions law enforcement officers may make warrantless entry onto private property prevent imminent destruction evidence brigham city supra citing ker california plurality opinion see also king supra slip example ker police reason believe defendant possession marijuana expecting police pursuit upheld officers warrantless entry defendant home plurality explaining drugs quickly easily destroyed distributed hidden warrant obtained time night overarching principle held compelling need official action time secure warrant warrant requirement may excused tyler supra question whether principle applies typical case police officer stopping driver suspicion drunk driving ii reasonable belief critical evidence destroyed gives rise compelling need blood draws cases like one fact simply belief alcohol bloodstream destroyed biological certainty alcohol dissipates bloodstream rate percent percent per hour stripp forensic clinical issues alcohol analysis forensic chemistry handbook kobilinsky ed evidence literally disappearing minute certainty makes case even stronger one usual application exigent circumstances exception evidence important serious deadly crime issue according department transportation one person died every minutes due drinking driving national highway traffic safety admin nhtsa traffic safety facts data surprise drinking driving punished severely including jail time see generally dept justice bureau justice statistics maruschak special report dwi offenders correctional supervision mcneely instance faces four years prison see app citing mo ann stat west evidence driver blood alcohol concentration bac crucial obtain convictions crimes district columbia laws providing per se illegal drive bac percent higher also laws establishing additional penalties drivers drive high bac often defined percent nhtsa digest impaired driving selected beverage control laws pp vii bac evidence clearly matters drivers refuse breathalyzers mcneely blood draw becomes necessary obtain evidence need prevent imminent destruction bac evidence less compelling incriminating alcohol dissipates limited period time rather noted concentration alcohol make difference guilt innocence different crimes different degrees punishment officer unlikely know precisely suspect consumed alcohol much knows critical evidence steadily lost fire spread gradually lessen need right officers respond immediately see tyler supra mcneely contends compelling need warrantless blood draw alcohol left blood time warrant obtained state use math science work backwards identify defendant bac time driving see brief respondent good enough indicated exigent circumstances justify warrantless entry drugs flushed toilet see king slip said well drug paraphernalia elsewhere home defendant might testify amount drugs involved drugs crucial compelling need warrantless entry approach govern compelling need search alcohol nearly conclusive evidence serious crime dissipating bloodstream need less compelling police might able acquire evidence exigent circumstances justify warrantless search however must also time secure warrant tyler see schmerber warrantless search legal time seek magistrate secure warrant respect obtaining blood sample suspected drunk driver differs exigent circumstances cases importantly typically delay moment drunk driver stopped time blood drawn drunk drivers often end emergency room usually pulled front one exigent circumstances situations police outside door home inside evidence destroyed person injured fire broken police enter promptly must respond effectively emergency police pull person suspicion drinking driving test blood right obstacle search form trip hospital perhaps wait see medical case example approximately minutes elapsed time police stopped mcneely time blood drawn app noted fact alcohol dissipates gradually bloodstream diminish compelling need search critical evidence still disappearing fact dissipation persists time means police although may able anything right away may still able respond ongoing destruction evidence later might therefore time obtain warrant many cases explains police often request warrants rather quickly days least provide electronic warrant applications see ante many police officer call judge convey necessary information authorized affix judge signature warrant see rule crim proc alaska stat idaho code lexis rules crim proc supp mont code ann see generally nhtsa use warrants breath test refusal case studies overview procedures arizona michigan oregon utah utah procedure police officer enters information system system notifies prosecutor upon approval officer forwards information magistrate electronically warrant officer utah cross boundary collaboration judges known issue warrants little five minutes bergreen faster warrant system hailed salt lake tribune one county kansas police officers warrant requests judges ipads judges signed warrants back officers less minutes benefiel dui search warrants prosecuting dui refusals kansas prosecutor spring police presumably familiar mechanics time involved warrant process particular jurisdiction iii case applying exigent circumstances exception general warrant requirement fourth amendment seems straightforward time secure warrant blood drawn police must seek one officer reasonably conclude sufficient time seek receive warrant applies one receive response blood drawn warrantless blood draw may ensue see tyler supra see also illinois rodriguez order satisfy requirement fourth amendment generally demanded many factual determinations must regularly made police officer conducting search seizure one exceptions warrant requirement always correct always reasonable terry ohio police must whenever practicable obtain advance judicial approval searches seizures warrant procedure requiring police apply warrant practicable increases likelihood neutral detached judicial officer review case helping ensure probable cause search search reasonable already held forced blood draws constitutional searches reasonable change fact significant bodily intrusions see schmerber upholding warrantless forced blood draw noting importance informed detached deliberate determinations issue whether invade another body search evidence guilt indisputable great requiring warrant whenever practicable helps ensure blood draws occur indeed justified time permitting police act without warrant prevent imminent destruction evidence well established fourth amendment law reason preclude application exception drunk driving cases simply may take police time able respond undoubted destruction evidence destruction occurs continuously uncertain period even situations police requested warrant receive timely response officer reasonably concluded time secure warrant may blood drawn suspect upon arrival medical facility reason officer worse position simply sought warrant prior arrival hospital resists foregoing contending question presented somehow inhibits focused analysis case see ante question presented whether warrantless blood draw permissible fourth amendment based upon natural dissipation alcohol bloodstream pet cert majority answers depends difference majority offers guidance merely instructing courts police officers consider totality circumstances believe meaningful guidance provided handle typical cases nothing question presented prohibits affording guidance plurality also expresses concern approach discourage state local efforts expedite warrant application process see ante plausible police prosecutors need warrants wide variety situations often need quickly certainly prefer slower process might obviate need ask warrant occasional drunk driving case blood draw necessary plurality suggestion also overlooks interest law enforcement protection warrant provides correct says every case must considered particular facts pertinent facts drunk driving cases often police know act recurring factual situations simply put drunk driving suspect fails field sobriety tests refuses breathalyzer whether warrant required blood draw come whether time secure one schmerber provides support analysis made much fact time seek magistrate secure warrant era cell phones unknown follows quite naturally cell phones mean time contact magistrate secure warrant must done time need jettison exception imminent destruction evidence officers position something missouri courts apply rule describe first instance vacate remand proceedings missouri courts thomas dissenting missouri petitioner tyler mcneely writ certiorari missouri april justice thomas dissenting case requires decide whether fourth amendment prohibits officer obtaining blood sample without warrant probable cause believe suspect driving influence alcohol body natural metabolization alcohol inevitably destroys evidence crime constitutes exigent circumstance result hold warrantless blood draw violate fourth amendment fourth amendment right people secure persons unreasonable searches seizures shall violated warrants shall issue upon probable cause search occurs warrant must generally secured kentucky king slip presumption may overcome circumstances ultimate touchstone fourth amendment reasonableness ibid quoting brigham city stuart alteration original presence exigent circumstances one exception warrant requirement exigency applies needs law enforcement compelling warrantless search objectively reasonable fourth amendment slip quoting mincey arizona second alteration original thus exigent circumstances present officers may take actions typically require warrant entering home hot pursuit fleeing suspect slip relevant case officers may also conduct warrantless search probable cause believe failure act result destruction evidence ibid quoting brigham city supra police arrest suspect drunk driving passing minute eliminates probative evidence crime human liver eliminates alcohol bloodstream rate approximately percent percent per hour ante heavy drinkers high percent per hour brief petitioner citing medical studies depending among things person sex weight body type drinking history ante brief amicus curiae acknowledged fact since schmerber california told percentage alcohol blood begins diminish shortly drinking stops body functions eliminate system case recognized destruction evidence inherent cases held officer investigating crime might reasonably believe confronted emergency delay necessary obtain warrant circumstances threaten destruction evidence ibid quoting preston explained drawing person blood highly effective means determining degree influence alcohol reasonable procedure blood tests commonplace involv virtually risk trauma pain therefore held dissipation alcohol blood constitutes exigency allows blood draw without warrant rapid destruction evidence acknowledged parties majority schmerber exigency determination occurs every situation police probable cause arrest drunk driver turn destruction evidence implicates doctrine see cupp murphy cupp officers questioning murder suspect observed spot suspect finger believed might dried blood suspect began making obvious efforts remove spots hands officers took samples without obtaining either consent warrant following fourth amendment challenge search held ready destructibility evidence suspect observed efforts destroy justified police subjecting limited search necessary preserve highly evanescent evidence found fingernails ibid case similar exigency present suspect efforts destroy highly evanescent evidence gave rise exigency cupp natural metabolization blood alcohol concentration bac creates exigency police probable cause believe driver drunk naturally follows police may conduct search circumstances hypothetical involving classic exigent circumstances illustrates point officers watching warehouse observe worker carrying bundles warehouse large bonfire throwing blaze officers probable cause believe bundles contain marijuana one person carrying bundles officers believe take hours completely destroy drugs time officers likely obtain warrant clear officers need sit idly watch destruction evidence wait warrant fact take time evidence destroyed evidence may remain time officers secure warrant relevant exigency however quantity drugs may impact severity crime length sentence see lower penalties less kilograms marijuana sentencing commission guidelines manual drug quantity table tying base offense level drug amounts conducting warrantless search warehouse situation entirely reasonable obtains context take time evidence completely destroyed mean exigency congress conditioned federal highway grants adoption laws penalizing operation motor vehicle blood alcohol concentration percent greater see also cfr acceded condition national highway traffic safety admin nhtsa alcohol highway safety review state knowledge mar nhtsa state review mo ann stat west establishing missouri percent bac standard moreover district columbia imposed additional penalties bac levels percent higher nhtsa state review missouri one state see mo stat ann suspended sentence unavailable even first offenders bac percent unless complete drug treatment mandatory jail time treatment completed result level intoxication directly bears enforcement laws nothing fourth amendment requires officers allow evidence essential enforcement laws destroyed wait warrant issue ii today decision elides certainty evidence destruction cases focuses primarily time necessary destruction turns exigency inquiry question amount evidentiary destruction police must permit may act without warrant inquiry inconsistent actual exigency issue uncontested destruction evidence due metabolization alcohol see part supra moreover analysis difficult administer particularly important concern fourth amendment context judgment reflects nothing vague notion everything come right time long delay lengthy ante justifying delays part bac evidence lost gradually relatively predictably ante quoting brief petitioner hard percentage lines meaningful legal consequences context fact police able retrieve evidence destroyed simply relevant exigency inquiry majority believes absent special facts circumstances destruction evidence acceptable see ante sufficient purposes note significant delay testing negatively affect probative value emphasis added belief must rest assumption whatever evidence remains warrant obtained sufficient prosecute suspect assumption clearly wrong suspects initial levels intoxication time necessary obtain warranted blood draws vary widely case case even slight delay may significantly affect probative value borderline cases suspects moderately intoxicated suspects whose bac near statutory threshold triggers serious offense see supra discussing laws penalizing heightened bac levels similarly time obtain warrant expected vary reason believe predictable fashion nowhere explains officer field apply test adopts first officers facts needed assess much time pass little evidence remains never know intoxicated suspect time arrest otherwise need testing second know long take roust magistrate bed reach hospital obtain blood sample minnesota recognized rejecting arguments like adopted today officer control long take travel judge judge availability officer also may know time suspect last drink amount alcohol consumed rate suspect metabolize alcohol finally officer know long take obtain blood sample suspect brought hospital totality circumstances test officer called upon speculate considerations predict long probative evidence defendant level continue exist blood sample longer reliable state shriner omitted adopt rule requires police guess whether able obtain warrant much evidence destroyed police lack reliable information concerning relevant case demonstrates uncertainty officers face regard delay caused obtaining warrant arresting officer clearly probable cause believe respondent drunk way officer quantify level intoxication determine quickly needed act order obtain probative evidence another officer testified respondent trial typically took hours obtain warrant night cape girardeau county missouri see app respondent submitted exhibit summarizing six late afternoon nighttime search warrants suggests time may shorter brief respondent app ultimately factual tiff beside point spotty evidence regarding timing illustrates fact delays obtaining warrants unpredictable potentially lengthy rule requires officers ultimately courts balance transportation delays hospital availability access magistrates workable rule cases natural processes inevitably destroy evidence every passing minute availability telephonic warrant applications answer conundrum see ante one thing missouri still requires written warrant applications affidavits mo ann stat west supp rendering survey irrelevant actual disposition case ante even telephonic applications available missouri difficulties arise majority correctly recognizes arrants inevitably take time police officers prosecutors complete magistrate judges review ante time evidence destroyed police probable cause believe crime committed guess long take secure warrant foregoing reasons respectfully dissent footnotes result two prior convictions mcneely charged class felony missouri law carries maximum imprisonment term four years see mo ann stat west compare case state johnson iowa conclusion state rodriguez ut state shriner holding natural dissipation evidence alone constitutes per se exigency state bohling state woolery idaho recognized limited class traditional exceptions warrant requirement apply categorically thus require assessment whether policy justifications underlying exception may include considerations implicated particular case see california acevedo automobile exception robinson searches person incident lawful arrest contrast general exigency exception asks whether emergency existed justified warrantless search naturally calls inquiry see rule crim proc alaska stat rev stat ann west ark code ann cal penal code ann west rule crim proc code ann haw rules penal proc idaho code lexis ind code iowa code limited specific circumstances involving accidents stat ann cum supp la code crim proc arts west comp laws ann west rules crim proc supp mont code ann neb rev stat rev stat rev stat ann lexis supp rule crim proc rules crim proc supp crim proc law ann west stat ann lexis rules crim proc ohio rules crim proc stat tit west rev stat rules crim proc codified laws utah rule crim proc rules crim proc supp code ann lexis supp super crim rule stat wyo stat ann see generally lafave search seizure pp ed describing oral search warrants collecting state laws missouri requires search warrants writing permit oral testimony thus excluding telephonic warrants mo ann stat west supp state law permit submission warrant applications facsimile electronic means suppression hearing case mcneely entered evidence form used cases prosecutor office cape girardeau county arrest took place app arresting officer acknowledged used forms past readily available dissent claims survey irrelevant actual disposition case missouri requires written warrant applications post per se exigency rule state seeks dissent embraces apply nationally treats body natural metabolization alcohol sufficient basis warrantless search everywhere always post technological innovations warrant procedures many adopted accordingly relevant show per se rule overbroad dissent contends officers field unable apply traditional totality circumstances test context know relevant facts time arrest see post police presumably familiar mechanics time involved warrant process particular jurisdiction post opinion roberts expect officers make reasonable judgments whether warrant process produce unacceptable delay circumstances reviewing courts turn assess judgments perspective reasonable officer scene rather vision hindsight ryburn huff per curiam slip pursuant congressional directive nhtsa conditions federal highway grants adoption laws making per se offense operate motor vehicle bac percent greater see cfr several federal prohibitions drunk driving also rely percent standard cfr ii ii cfr addition district columbia adopted laws impose heightened penalties operating motor vehicle bac percent see nhtsa review see code alaska stat rev stat ann west ark code ann supp stat stat ann west code ann haw rev stat cum supp cum supp iowa code stat ann rev stat ann lexis supp la rev stat ann supp md transp code ann lexis mass laws ch west comp laws ann west miss code ann mont code ann neb rev stat cum supp rev stat ann west cum supp stat ann lexisnexis veh traf law ann west cent code ann lexis supp lexis okla tit west supp rev stat cons stat laws lexis code ann supp code ann tex transp code ann west stat tit rev code code ann lexis supp wyo stat ann lexis see rev stat ann west code ann rev stat ann lexis supp comp laws ann west mont code ann stat ann lexisnexis veh traf law ann west rev stat laws lexis code ann stat tit rev code code ann supp interpreted state stone wyo stat ann see also state harris iowa per curiam recognizing iowa law imposes warrant requirement subject limited exigency exception findings made trial concerning long warrant likely taken issue circumstances minimal evidence presented point uniform second patrol officer testified typical dwi case takes minutes hours obtain search warrant following arrest app mcneely however also introduced exhibit documenting six recent search warrant applications blood testing cape girardeau county shorter processing times footnotes evidence may prove useless experts worked backwards identify defendant bac time driving defense attorneys objected evidence courts times rejected juries may suspicious see nichols whited litigation pp ed noting counsel objections evidence state eighth judicial district affirming rejection evidence taylor oberman drunk driving defense ed describing ways undermine evidence jury case involves medical personnel drawing blood medical facility police officers side road see schmerber california petitioner blood taken physician hospital environment according accepted medical practices thus presented serious questions arise search involving use medical technique even rudimentary sort made medical personnel medical environment example administered police privacy stationhouse brief respondent describing roadside blood draws arizona plurality suggests approach make roadside blood draws attractive option police procedure pose practical difficulties noted schmerber raise additional serious fourth amendment concerns see ante footnotes neither party challenged determination reaffirmed several times see skinner railway labor executives winston lee position likely result delay obtaining bac evidence also increases likelihood prosecutors forced estimate amount alcohol defendant bloodstream using bac numbers obtained hours later practice backwards extrapolation likely devolve battle experts side seeks show stale evidence supports position need outcome police facing inevitable destruction situations need forgo collecting accurate available evidence simply might able use expert witness less persuasive evidence approximate lost