Blood Tests Unreliable
A DUI attorney group recently convinced a judge to suppress blood evidence in a collection of cases after it was discovered that the local crime lab was using faulty blood-testing equipment.
After the judge agreed, the media brought up an interesting question: How many false convictions had been made before the error was uncovered?
Innocent people that are victimized by these malfunctions face fines, lost income, loss of driving privileges and jail time. They become stigmatized by the black mark on their record and often are demonized by the media and their communities. Recently, there was another incident that proved that blood testing machines could be faulty. Forensic scientists, you may want to look at centrifuges you use for blood testing before you start working on criminal cases.
In the United States, driving under the influence (DUI) is punished heavily in order to deter people from irresponsibly drinking and driving. These laws take the approach that maximum punishments equal maximum deterrence, but what happens when you can’t be certain that a person is guilty of a DUI? There have been multiple cases of blood-testing equipment malfunctions that have cast doubt on many DUI convictions.
Anyone Accused Of A DUI Should Contact An Attorney Right Away
False DUI convictions have been a topic of discussion for lawmakers nationwide. Not only can crime labs use faulty equipment, but traditional breathalyzers can malfunction, as well.
Police rely on breathalyzers to determine blood alcohol content (BAC), and those tests are not always accurate. What’s more is that not agreeing to a test is a serious crime in many states.
If you have been arrested for drink driving, it is important to call an attorney that can ensure a fair defense. At The Law Offices of Michael M. Raheb, P.A., we work hard to make sure that none of our clients’ rights are infringed upon. To discuss your case, Call Us At 866-949-0888 Today!
The Crime Lab Knew That The Equipment Was Faulty
According to Azfamily.com, the judge’s ruling directly affects 11 current DUI cases and likely will affect far more as older cases are reviewed to determine if convictions were based on potentially false reports. The judge expressed disappointment that the crime lab’s staff knew that the equipment was malfunctioning, continued to use it and were not entirely honest about it when called before the court.
Not every crime lab acts dishonestly, and not every machine is faulty, but this case goes to show that it pays to have a defense attorney on your side, one that is committed to protecting your interests. If you live in the Fort Myers area, let us be there for you-Call Us At 866-949-0888 Today!
