When It Makes Sense To Reanalyze Blood Samples
When facing a DWI charge in Houston, don’t assume that the blood test results are the final word. Once you connect with an experienced Houston DWI lawyer, they can begin the process of investigating your case, from the officers’ training to the blood sample’s handling, to ensure that your rights are protected. Reanalyzing blood samples, when necessary, can be a pivotal move in securing your freedom and avoiding the severe consequences of a DWI conviction.
Testing and the Arresting Officers’ Training
Blood tests are often considered the gold standard in determining blood alcohol concentration (BAC) during a DWI arrest, but these tests are not infallible. Several factors can affect the accuracy of blood test results, including the procedures followed during sample collection, the equipment used in testing, and the qualifications of the personnel involved.
Errors in the blood testing process can lead to inaccurate results, potentially leading to wrongful convictions. This is why reanalyzing blood samples can be key to a DWI defense. Through a thorough revisiting of the evidence, a skilled attorney can uncover mistakes or inconsistencies that may weaken the prosecution’s case.
Also, from the moment you are pulled over, the officers’ actions, observations, and reports become central to the prosecution’s evidence. While many law professionals excel at their jobs, these individuals are not immune to mistakes. An attorney can scrutinize the arresting officers’ training and background to determine if they were adequately qualified to handle the blood sample collection and if they followed proper procedures.
For instance, were the officers trained in drawing blood? Did they properly seal and store the sample to avoid contamination? Were there any prior complaints or disciplinary actions against the officers that could indicate a history of procedural errors? These are all questions that an investigation can answer, potentially uncovering grounds for challenging the validity of the blood test results.
Building a Strong Defense with Reanalysis
Reanalyzing blood samples can be especially critical in the following scenarios:
- Discrepancies in the initial test results. If there is a significant difference between the BAC results from a breathalyzer and the blood test, reanalyzing the blood sample could reveal errors in the testing process.
- Potential contamination. If there is any reason to believe that the blood sample was contaminated, either through improper storage, poor handling, or equipment failure, a reanalysis could demonstrate that the original results are unreliable.
- Questionable procedures. If the arresting officers did not follow standard protocols when collecting the blood sample, a reanalysis might show that the sample was compromised.
- Expert testimony. A reanalysis can provide your defense attorney with the necessary evidence to bring in expert witnesses who can testify about the inaccuracies or flaws in the prosecution’s evidence.
By challenging the accuracy of the blood test, your Houston DWI lawyer may be able to introduce reasonable doubt into the prosecution’s case, which is often enough to secure a favorable outcome.
What are your concerns about drunk driving tests? Have a conversation with the lawyers at Ayson Law Firm. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
