Understanding Blood Test Results in DUI Cases

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Fort Lauderdale, as it is throughout the United States. One of the key pieces of evidence in DUI cases is a blood test that measures blood alcohol content (BAC). While these tests are commonly used, they are not unwavering, and their results can be challenged in court. We will break down how blood alcohol tests work, the common inaccuracies associated with these tests, and how a Fort Lauderdale DUI defense lawyer can dispute flawed blood test results as part of a defense strategy.

How Blood Alcohol Tests Work

Blood alcohol tests measure the concentration of alcohol in a person's bloodstream and are a significant part of DUI investigations. The blood is drawn and sent to a laboratory for analysis, where it is typically tested using one of the following methods:

Gas Chromatography: This is the most common method for analyzing blood samples. It separates and quantifies substances within the blood to determine the BAC.

Enzymatic Assays: These tests use enzymes that react chemically with alcohol to produce measurable substances.

Infrared Spectroscopy: While less common for blood alcohol testing, some labs use this method, which measures how infrared light interacts with blood samples.

In Florida, the legal blood alcohol content level is 0.08%. People can be charged with DUI if they are caught driving with a BAC above this limit. But blood tests aren't always accurate, which is important for a defense lawyer to know and maybe use in court.

Common Inaccuracies in Blood Alcohol Testing

Despite their widespread use, blood tests for DUI cases can yield inaccurate results for a variety of reasons:

Improper Handling and Storage: Blood samples must be collected and stored under specific conditions. If the results are treated incorrectly, like being exposed to high temperatures or other chemicals, they might not be valid anymore.

Timing of the Test: Alcohol concentration can change rapidly after consumption. If a blood test is done hours after driving, the BAC may not properly show how drowsy the driver was at the time of the crime.

Laboratory Errors: Testing laboratories can make mistakes during the analysis process. This may be caused by tools not being adjusted correctly, mistakes made by people when interpreting data, or contamination during tests.

Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or high levels of ketones in the blood, can cause false positives or higher BAC readings that don’t accurately reflect alcohol consumption.

Blood Sample Dilution: If a blood sample is diluted, either by being handled incorrectly or by adding substances during tests, the BAC that is found may not be correct.

Legal Defense Strategies Against Flawed Blood Test Results

A skilled Fort Lauderdale Dui Defense Lawyer has several strategies to dispute blood test results that may be flawed or inaccurate:

Challenging the Chain of Custody: Defense attorneys can investigate whether the blood sample was properly handled and maintained from the time it was collected until it was tested. If this chain is broken, the results may not be proven.

Questioning the Testing Procedure: If the laboratory failed to follow standard procedures, or if there are differences in the documentation of the tests, a lawyer can argue that the results are unreliable.

Cross-Examination of Expert Witnesses: An experienced defense attorney can bring in forensic experts to analyze the testing methods used and interpret the results. They can challenge the validity of the testing and provide alternative explanations for the results obtained.

Presenting Competing Evidence: If there is supporting evidence suggesting that the driver was not drunk at the time of the arrest, such as witness testimonies or dashcam footage, the defense can use this to create reasonable doubt.

Utilizing Medical Evidence: If a medical condition could have changed the test results, the defense can show proof to support this idea, which could lead to the charges being dropped.

Demonstrating the Impact of Timing: By illustrating the time gap between the alleged driving and the blood test, a defense lawyer can argue that the test does not accurately represent the BAC at the time of driving.

With the right defense strategy, you have a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome in your case. Your future could depend on it, so don't be afraid to seek legal help.