What amount of force is permissible in a forced withdrawal of blood in felony cases?

In instances of forced withdrawal of blood in felony cases, the principle of "reasonable force" is applied. This means that the amount of force used must be proportionate to the situation and must be restricted to what is necessary to achieve the objective of obtaining the blood sample. Authorities understand that while consent is ideal, there are scenarios in which an individual may refuse to comply, particularly in serious criminal matters. Therefore, the law allows for the use of reasonable force when such compliance is essential for law enforcement's investigation or prosecution of a felony offense.

This approach ensures that the rights of the individual are respected while still enabling law enforcement to perform their duty effectively. Force that is reasonable is often assessed based on the unique context of each case, considering factors such as the behavior of the individual and the circumstances surrounding the situation.