The Legal Implications of Improper Evidence Storage in DUI Cases

Improper evidence storage can completely change the outcome of a DUI case. A DUI lawyer in Lima, OH, like Scott A. Kelly, Attorney at Law, knows how to spot these mistakes and use them to your advantage.

Mishandling evidence raises serious questions about its accuracy and reliability. A skilled attorney will investigate every detail, from chain of custody records to how blood alcohol samples were stored. These errors can weaken the prosecution’s case and sometimes even result in the removal of evidence.

If you’re facing DUI charges, having someone who knows how to challenge sloppy evidence handling could make all the difference. Keep reading to learn more.

Exposing Flaws in Blood Alcohol Testing

A DUI lawyer looks closely at how blood alcohol samples were handled. If the sample was stored at the wrong temperature or the seal wasn’t tight, the results might not be accurate. Even small mistakes like these can affect the outcome of a test and raise questions about the evidence.

Experts can explain how storage problems can cause false BAC readings. This kind of testimony helps the lawyer challenge the reliability of the results. When the evidence doesn’t hold up, the case against you gets weaker. That’s why checking every step of the process matters.

Challenging the Chain of Custody

A good lawyer takes time to go through every part of the chain of custody records. They look for missing papers or any part of the process that doesn’t have a clear explanation. When documents are incomplete, it becomes harder to trust that the evidence stayed the same from start to finish.

A break in the chain makes it possible that the evidence was changed or handled incorrectly. Lawyers can use these problems to raise doubt in court. If there’s a chance the evidence was tampered with, it may not be strong enough to use against you. That’s why careful review is so important.

Highlighting Risks of Contamination or Tampering

A DUI lawyer in Lima, OH, will carefully check if the evidence was kept safe and secure. If the storage area was open to outside contact or not properly sealed, there’s a chance the evidence was contaminated. This kind of mistake can change the test results and make them less trustworthy.

When there are signs that the evidence could have been tampered with, the lawyer will bring that up in court. These concerns help show that the evidence might not be reliable. If the judge agrees, it may be left out of the case. That can make a big difference for someone facing DUI charges.

Fight Back with a DUI Lawyer in Lima, OH

Improper evidence storage can be the key to weakening the case against you. Scott A. Kelly, Attorney at Law, knows how to uncover and use these mistakes to protect your rights. If you’re ready to build a strong defense, reach out today for expert help.

Key Takeaways

Can poor evidence storage help fight a DUI charge?

Yes, problems like wrong storage temperatures or broken seals can make test results unreliable. A DUI lawyer can use these issues to challenge the evidence and possibly have it dismissed.

What happens if the chain of custody for DUI evidence is incomplete?

Missing or unclear chain of custody records can create doubt about whether the evidence was handled properly. A skilled attorney may argue that this weakens the case and undermines the evidence’s integrity.

Is it possible to get DUI evidence thrown out due to contamination?

If the evidence wasn’t stored securely and shows signs of tampering or exposure, it could be excluded from court. That kind of mistake can seriously hurt the prosecution’s case.