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DEFENDING DUI - Los Angeles, with its bustling streets and vibrant nightlife, is a city where driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious concern. With so many people on the move, law enforcement is particularly vigilant about keeping impaired drivers off the road. When a DUI arrest occurs, blood tests are often used as a critical piece of evidence, given their perceived accuracy in measuring alcohol or drug levels. However, DUI blood tests are not foolproof.
Several factors, from improper collection procedures to laboratory errors, can undermine their reliability in court. Contamination, incorrect labeling, or human error during sample collection or analysis can influence the accuracy of a blood test. For anyone facing DUI charges in Los Angeles, it’s crucial to understand how these tests can be challenged. A skilled DUI lawyer in Los Angeles can help you assess the validity of blood test results and build a strong defense.
Understanding DUI Blood Tests
A blood test is often used to measure the presence or level of alcohol or drugs in a person’s body. The tests are deemed more accurate than a breath test but are still imperfect. It works by taking a blood sample and processing it in a lab. Nevertheless, many contributing factors in this procedure cause the errors.
Potential Errors in Blood Testing
Many things can threaten the integrity of a blood test. Contamination is a significant concern. The test results can be altered if the equipment is not sterile or if the blood sample is stored improperly. Incorrect labeling is another issue that can occur. Poor labeling practices can mix up the samples and give the wrong test outcomes for a person.
The Role of Human Error
Human error is another factor that can jeopardize the accuracy of blood tests. Technicians might make mistakes while collecting or analyzing samples. These errors can affect the results, for example, if the blood is not drawn properly. Moreover, mistakes can happen while transporting samples. A break in the chain of custody could call into question the reliability of the test.
Challenging the Testing Methods
The methods of blood sample analysis can also be questioned. Laboratories have to follow a set of instructions to ensure the highest accuracy of their results. If these procedures were not followed, the results may not be eligible. The type of equipment used can also be examined. Old or poorly maintained tools may not be reliable.
Legal Grounds for Challenging Blood Results
A violation of personal rights is one of the legal grounds for challenging blood test results. If a person did not give their permission to have their blood sample taken and the authorities did not have a warrant, the blood test results may be inadmissible. A mediator has no authority to conduct a blood test. If a person has no training and has never handled a blood test, their blood test results may not be reliable.
The Importance of Expert Testimonies
An expert’s opinion might also be an essential point when trying to prove the blood sample’s inaccuracy. They can point out possible mistakes and uncertainties that the investigating party may not be aware of. An expert witness can also be a great asset when explaining complicated scientific concepts to the court. Their opinion is crucial when trying to counter the investigations’ results. The expert can also assess the blood sample analysis methods and determine if they violated common practices.
Existing Health Problems and Timing
A patient's medical history and the medicines they use can significantly influence a blood test result. Some afflictions, for instance, diabetes, can produce false positives. Medicine containing alcohol, such as cough syrup, can elevate the blood alcohol level and lead to disputes.
Time also influences the results of blood tests. So if the blood test occurred too long after the diver was taken to a police station, the reliability of the test results may be subject to challenge.
Conclusion
To successfully challenge a DUI blood test in court, an attorney must have detailed knowledge of the blood test process and where errors occur. Legal professionals and the accused need to understand the many variables that can influence the results of these tests. Analyzing these characteristics gives you the ability to make a compelling argument and challenge charges. This encompasses several aspects, including the importance of expert testimony, the need to explore legal grounds, and the realization of the undue impact of medical conditions.
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