Robert St. John was arrested on Washington DUI charges in July of 2005 after he wrecked his motorcycle. The arresting officer, Eric Michl, read St. John the warning of refusing a blood alcohol test and St. John chose to refuse to submit a sample. Officer Michl proceeded to obtain a search warrant from a judge for the forcible blood removal.
At trail, a municipal court determined that the officer's procedure was unfair and illegal; however, the decision was overturned by the Washington Supreme Court who convicted St. John based on the blood alcohol sample obtained.