State expands electronic search-warrant system for DUI cases

All law enforcement agencies across Arizona soon will be able to use a system for electronically getting search warrants to obtain blood samples in cases involving suspected drunken-drivers and vehicle-related homicide and aggravated assault.

Officials say the system in which requests are sent electronically to Maricopa County Superior Court judges and then issued electronically reduces costs of materials and manpower and saves time.

The state Supreme Court in 2012 first authorized courts and law enforcement agencies in Maricopa County to participate in an electronic search warrant program.

The court in 2016 expanded the program to allow the state Department of Public Safety to use the system statewide, and the latest order says all law enforcement agencies across the state can use the system, beginning Aug. 1.

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