Reasons to Consider Challenging Breath and Blood Test Results
You should consider pursuing challenges to breath or blood test results when the test plays a central role in the prosecutor’s case, when documentation or procedure appears flawed, or when administrative consequences threaten driving privileges. Challenging unreliable evidence can reduce or eliminate penalties, preserve a cleaner driving record, and protect employment opportunities that depend on driving. Even when outcomes are uncertain, investigation can reveal mitigating facts and provide better information for plea discussions or trial preparation in Mantachie and Itawamba County courts.
Additionally, consider this service if medical issues, procedural irregularities, or equipment concerns were present at the time of testing. When breath machines show calibration gaps or blood handling records are incomplete, those issues can form the basis for compelling legal arguments. Addressing these matters early protects both criminal and administrative interests. Consulting with counsel soon after an arrest allows for evidence preservation and more effective defense planning tailored to the facts and local procedures that apply in Mississippi.
Common Circumstances That Lead Clients to Challenge Tests
Typical situations prompting test challenges include missing calibration logs for breath machines, discrepancies in lab reports for blood draws, injuries or medical conditions that could affect readings, or constitutional issues surrounding the stop or arrest. Other triggers include unclear chain-of-custody, delayed testing that undermines accuracy, and officer errors in administering chemical tests. When any of these factors arise, a focused investigation into the facts and records is warranted to determine whether a legal challenge may reduce or eliminate the weight of the test evidence.
Calibration and Maintenance Problems
When breath-testing equipment lacks proper calibration or maintenance documentation, the reliability of the readings is in question. Missing or incomplete maintenance logs, long intervals between calibrations, or technician notes indicating malfunctions can all be used to argue that breath test results are unreliable. Investigating those records and obtaining relevant documentation from law enforcement or the testing laboratory is often the first step in challenging such evidence in the courtroom or during administrative proceedings.
Issues With Blood Sample Handling
Problems in how a blood sample was collected, labeled, transported, or stored may affect the accuracy of lab results. Breaks in chain-of-custody, improper refrigeration, or contamination concerns are common grounds for questioning blood evidence. Careful review of collection forms, transport logs, and laboratory intake records is necessary to determine whether handling irregularities could have altered test outcomes and whether exclusion or reduction of the evidence is appropriate under Mississippi law.
Medical Conditions and External Factors
Medical conditions, certain diets, or exposure to volatile chemicals can sometimes create misleading breath or blood readings. Symptoms such as acid reflux or the presence of non-beverage alcohol sources may influence test results. Investigating medical histories, consulting with clinicians, and gathering supporting documentation can clarify whether physiological factors might have affected test accuracy and support challenges to the reliability of the chemical evidence presented by the prosecution.
