Blood tests are often seen as hard evidence in DUI cases. They’re used to confirm whether someone had drugs or alcohol in their system at the time of arrest. In Johnson County, Kansas, these tests play a big role in how prosecutors build their case. But blood test results aren’t always airtight. There are situations where they can be challenged and even excluded from a case altogether.
Understanding what makes these tests inadmissible isn’t just about legal technicalities. It can make a real difference in how a case turns out. Mistakes can happen anywhere from the moment blood is drawn to when it’s tested in a lab. When proper procedures aren’t followed, the test results can be misread or even be considered invalid. That’s why it’s so important to have lawyers for DUI cases who know how to spot these problems and use them to protect your rights.
Proper Collection Procedures
Collecting a blood sample for a DUI case isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. There are strict steps that need to be followed, and skipping any of them can cause big issues. These steps are meant to protect the accuracy of the sample and make sure it reflects the person’s true condition at the time it was drawn.
Here are common problems that could come up during this stage:
– The person collecting the sample isn’t properly trained or authorized to do so
– The skin isn’t cleaned the right way, which can lead to contamination
– The wrong kind of vial is used, or it isn’t sealed properly
– There’s no clear record showing what time the sample was taken
– The person wasn’t monitored during the collection process, which is often required
For example, if the technician didn’t sanitize the area before drawing blood or used expired materials, it could easily call the results into question. These aren’t small details. They’re things that can shift how the case unfolds.
When the initial collection doesn’t meet legal expectations, those results may lose their value in court. That’s why proper handling from the very start matters so much.
Chain Of Custody Issues
After the blood is drawn, the sample passes through several hands before it gets tested. This process is known as the chain of custody. It’s like a detailed trail that shows where the sample went, who handled it, and how long it stayed in each place. Breaking the chain, whether on purpose or by accident, can make the whole test unusable as evidence.
Some examples of chain of custody issues include:
– Failing to document who handled the sample at any point along the way
– Leaving the sample in an unsecured location
– Mixing up labels or storing the sample with others that could lead to cross-contamination
– Delayed transportation that’s not explained or logged
If that paperwork is messy or incomplete, it opens the door to doubt. A missing signature or time gap in the record suggests that the sample might’ve been tampered with or mixed up. Even if nothing actually went wrong, not being able to prove otherwise weakens the case against the person arrested.
Chain of custody matters just as much as the test itself. It’s there to make sure the sample is intact from start to finish. When it’s not handled right, the accuracy and trustworthiness of the results take a hit.
Testing And Storage Problems
Once a blood sample reaches the lab, the next steps involve testing and storage. These need to be handled with just as much care as the earlier parts of the process. Lab work has to be carried out in a clean, controlled space using proper techniques and equipment. Anything short of that raises the chance of errors, which could make the blood test results unreliable.
One common issue is contamination during handling or testing. If the equipment isn’t cleaned thoroughly between uses or samples are stored too close together, results can get mixed up. Labs also use chemicals and tools that have expiration dates. If any of those are out of date or stored in the wrong conditions, it could affect the entire outcome of the test.
Bad storage matters too. Blood samples can break down if they aren’t kept at the right temperature. For example, if the fridge used to store samples fails overnight or fluctuates in temperature, it may ruin what’s inside. That kind of damage could cause the sample to read differently than what would’ve shown right after collection.
Here’s what can make this part of the process go wrong:
– Improper calibration of testing machines
– Use of expired or incorrect reagents in the blood testing process
– Inconsistent refrigeration and poor tracking of storage conditions
– Incomplete or flawed test result documentation
– Overloaded staff or labs lacking standard checks
Even small problems in this stage can create big doubt about the fairness and accuracy of a DUI blood test. If it’s clear that the lab couldn’t keep the sample stable or record its process accurately, the test results may no longer be considered dependable in court.
Legal And Human Errors In DUI Cases
No process is perfect, especially when people are involved. While machines may carry part of the testing load, actual people are handling reports, logging times, preparing vials, and interpreting results. These human steps open the door to mistakes that can’t always be explained or fixed later.
Some examples of human and legal errors include:
– Incorrectly labeling a sample before or after testing
– Typing errors in the test reports
– Misreading results and drawing the wrong conclusions
– Filling out the wrong paperwork or leaving parts incomplete
– Presenting unclear or inconsistent information at court
In some cases, labs may not follow lab standards exactly. That’s another spot where legal arguments begin. If those rules aren’t followed down to the letter, they can be challenged. A blood test might seem solid from the outside, but if someone skipped a step or misunderstood the testing rules, that opens a weak spot that could change the direction of the case.
Mistakes like these are a big reason why it’s important to have experienced legal support. A solid background in DUI defense means knowing how to spot these issues before they become bigger headaches in court. Understanding what can go wrong helps build a stronger defense strategy.
When Test Results Aren’t So Reliable
Looking at how blood tests are handled from start to finish shows just how many ways they can go wrong. From sloppy collection to poor lab work and missing documents, each part of the process can be questioned. A single misstep might be enough to call the results into question in a DUI case.
Johnson County residents facing a DUI charge may feel like a blood test locks in their fate. But these tests don’t always tell the full story. There are lots of ways to look deeper into how the results came together. With a knowledgeable legal team reviewing every detail, it’s possible to identify where the system stumbled and what that means for your case.
Knowing Your Options with Jay Norton
DUI blood tests carry weight in Johnson County courts, but that doesn’t mean the results are always flawless. Whether it’s a sample collected the wrong way, chain of custody errors, storage failures, or simple human mistakes, every part of the process can be challenged. These weak spots can shift the direction of a case.
That’s why our team focuses on every detail. At Norton Hare, we understand the impact a DUI can have. Our lawyers for DUI cases know where things go wrong and how to use that information to help protect our clients. If you’re unsure about your test results or how your case is being handled, it’s time to talk to someone who knows what to look for. We’ll stand by your side when it matters most.
Feeling lost in the legal maze of DUI charges in Johnson County? It’s important to have someone who can carefully review every part of your blood test results. Jay Norton is ready to stand by your side. Our experienced team focuses on spotting the problems that often show up in DUI cases and helping you understand what your next steps can be. To learn how we can support you, start by exploring how our lawyers for DUI cases can make a difference.