Can DUI blood test results be challenged?
The blood test in a DUI case is usually a major part of the prosecution’s case. If properly collected, and measured, it shows that the blood contained specific amounts of alcohol or drugs (medications or illegal narcotics). Can DUI blood test results be challenged? Well, this posting discusses the major ways that a blood test can be challenged by a qualified Orange County DUI Attorney.
You should also see our more in-depth page on all the defenses to blood tests in a DUI case.
Improper Calibration.
DUI blood test results can be challenged based upon improper calibration. Calibration is required of any measuring device, to make sure accuracy is maintained, and if the blood test result was done on improperly calibrated equipment, the test results may be meaningless. An Orange County DUI Lawyer that knows how to do a discovery request or subpoena for this information, can obtain calibration results in a DUI case, and also bring the appropriate motion to exclude the use of improper evidence in a motion or a trial.
Improper Chain of Custody.
Blood test results in a DUI case can also be challenged based upon an improper chain of custody. Chain of custody records are kept, to make sure that there is not the probability or possibility of contamination, or of improper handling, or tampering, and is a crucial part of the case for most knowledgeable Orange County DUI Attorneys.
Failure to Draw Blood Using a Licensed Phlebotomist.
DUI blood tests may also be invalid if the person drawing the blood was not licensed to do so, as that is a requirement. In addition to being a California licensed phlebotomist, the person drawing the blood must follow medically accepted procedures for the blood draw, and for alcohol cases, must not swab the arm with alcohol, and must instead use betadine, iodine, or hydrogen peroxide, to avoid contamination from introducing outside alcohol in an alcohol case test. Not all attorneys will check for this, but most of the best DUI lawyers in Orange County, CA will.
Improper Blood Storage.
Under the procedures contained in the Administrative Code Title 17, any blood drawn must be kept refrigerated, and the sample integrity must not be compromised. Since bacterial contamination can ferment the blood at a higher rate during higher temperatures (or at room temperature), contamination issues are much higher if the blood is not refrigerated as required by law. That can cause a DUI to be dismissed by any of the Orange County DUI Lawyers that know how to argue contamination issues and bring a motion to dismiss the DUI case.
Can DUI blood test results be challenged? If you have any questions for us about challenging the blood test results in your DUI case, or in the DUI case of a loved one, contact our firm, or call us, anytime. We are happy to help.