Reasons to Consider Challenging Breath and Blood Tests
People choose to challenge chemical test results because the consequences of admitting a higher blood alcohol concentration can include license suspension, increased fines, and long-term effects on employment and insurance. Even small procedural or technical errors can materially affect the reliability of a test, and identifying those errors can change the outcome of an administrative hearing or criminal proceeding. In Philadelphia, a careful review of test administration and laboratory records can yield defenses that reduce or eliminate the most damaging evidence against a driver.
Another reason to consider a challenge is to preserve future rights and mobility. Administrative suspensions can make daily life difficult, and criminal convictions carry collateral consequences. Pursuing available defenses to chemical testing, including objections to device performance and sample handling, can reduce the likelihood of severe penalties. Housley Law helps people in Philadelphia weigh potential benefits against time and expense and advises on strategies that balance immediate relief with long-term protection of driving and employment opportunities.
Common Situations That Lead to Chemical Test Challenges
Common circumstances that lead people to challenge breath or blood tests include unexpected or unexplained high readings, missing or incomplete maintenance records for breath devices, unclear labeling or breaks in chain-of-custody for blood samples, and medical conditions that may distort results. Other triggers are inconsistent witness accounts or procedural missteps during the stop and arrest. In Philadelphia, these scenarios often prompt requests for lab records and device histories to determine whether test evidence is reliable enough to support the charges or administrative actions.
Missing or Incomplete Device Records
When breath-testing equipment lacks up-to-date calibration or maintenance records, the reliability of its results can be called into question. Missing documentation about device checks, service, or software updates raises reasonable concerns about whether a machine produced accurate readings at the time of testing. Housley Law reviews the available logs and seeks additional documentation when appropriate to see whether maintenance gaps provide a basis to challenge breath test results in Philadelphia administrative hearings and criminal proceedings.
Chain-of-Custody Issues with Blood Samples
Breaks or inconsistencies in the chain of custody for blood samples can undermine confidence in the integrity of the specimen. Problems such as mislabeled vials, missing transfer records, or unexplained storage gaps raise questions about possible contamination or substitution. Examining collection forms, transport logs, and laboratory accession records can reveal such issues. In Philadelphia cases, identifying chain-of-custody defects can provide strong foundations for motions to exclude or limit blood test evidence.
Medical or Physiological Factors
Certain medical or physiological conditions can affect breath or blood readings and may account for unexpected results. Conditions such as gastrointestinal reflux, diabetic ketoacidosis, or the presence of certain substances can interfere with breathalyzer readings, while medications and medical procedures can influence blood alcohol measurements. Reviewing medical history and consulting healthcare documentation can help determine whether such factors played a role in producing test results, and this analysis can be important in contests of chemical evidence in Philadelphia proceedings.
