Reasons to Consider Challenging Chemical Test Evidence
Challenging breath or blood test results is worth considering because these tests often provide the central evidence used to seek conviction or administrative penalties. If records show gaps in calibration, improper sampling, or errors in lab procedures, contesting the results can significantly alter the case. For people in Hickory Hills, defending against unreliable scientific evidence can preserve driving privileges, limit criminal exposure, and protect employment and licensing interests that depend on a clean record.
Another reason to pursue a challenge is the possibility that testing circumstances do not accurately reflect impairment at the time of driving. Delays in testing, medical conditions, or cross-reactive substances can produce misleading readings. By scrutinizing timing, methods, and medical factors, a defense can present alternative explanations that reduce reliance on a singular numerical reading. For Hickory Hills clients, careful review and timely procedural steps often yield better outcomes than accepting test results without question.
Common Situations That Lead to Breath or Blood Test Challenges
Typical circumstances prompting a challenge include missing calibration logs for breath machines, unclear chain of custody for blood samples, officer report inconsistencies, medical conditions affecting alcohol absorption, and lab reporting errors. Each of these issues can form the basis of motions to suppress or arguments in administrative hearings. In Hickory Hills DUI cases, identifying any of these problems early allows counsel to pursue discovery, request independent analysis, and prepare targeted motions to protect a client’s rights and driving privileges.
Device Maintenance and Calibration Problems
When breath machine maintenance or calibration records are missing, incomplete, or show recent failures, the reliability of breath test results becomes uncertain. These records are essential to proving a device was functioning properly at the time of testing. In Hickory Hills, thorough requests for maintenance logs and checks of calibration history can reveal whether a breathalyzer returned a trustworthy reading or whether the test result should be excluded due to defective equipment or improper maintenance.
Chain of Custody and Sample Handling Issues
Blood test challenges often start with examining the chain of custody and how samples were labeled, stored, and transported. Gaps in documentation or discrepancies in handling procedures can suggest contamination, misidentification, or degradation of samples. For Hickory Hills defendants, identifying breaks in chain of custody can lead to motions to suppress or questions about the probative value of the blood analysis, which may change the likely outcome at hearing or trial.
Medical Conditions and Interfering Substances
Certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux or diabetes, and some medications or substances can produce elevated breath or blood readings unrelated to alcohol impairment. Establishing that a medical or pharmacological factor could have influenced test results requires documentation and, in some cases, independent medical review. Hickory Hills drivers who can show legitimate medical explanations for abnormal readings may reduce the impact of test results on their case and strengthen defenses against DUI allegations.
