Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, which means this coming weekend will likely be filled with many celebrations. Whether you have plans to spend time with the family or attend a costume party or two, it’s important to remember that law enforcement agencies will be on high alert for motorists who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In Orange County, where our firm represents drivers accused of all types of DUI charges, law enforcement agencies often work collaboratively to crack down on impaired motorists because the holiday typically sees a spike in alcohol-related accidents and injuries. Their efforts often consist of increased saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints set up at locations and times known for higher rates of DUI accidents and arrests.
Being Halloween, it’s important to reflect on your rights when pulled over under suspicion of DUI, especially if it comes time for law enforcement to “take your blood.” Although many people think of breathalyzers when they think of DUI chemical tests, blood tests are also a common method for obtaining evidence about a driver’s impairment. However, blood tests aren’t always reliable and they can be challenged effectively by experienced DUI defense lawyers.
Blood tests can be compromised in a number of ways, which in turn can raise questions about whether they accurately indicate if a motorist is legally impaired under the law. For example, the following issues can raise questions about blood test accuracy:
- Chain of custody errors
- Errors in the preserving of samples, including improper use of anticoagulants
- Errors in correctly sterilizing equipment
- Lack of regular maintenance of equipment
Errors in DUI chemical testing can and do happen. In fact, serious errors made by the Orange County Crime Lab several years ago made big news at the time, and affected numerous cases in the county. It should help remind drivers accused of DUI that they should always challenge the government’s case and the evidence against them – and that they should do so with attorneys who understand how to address these issues.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Orange County, the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc. is available to discuss your case. Call us toll-free at (877) DUI-QUEEN (877-384-7833).
