When To Challenge Chain Of Custody In a DUI Case

Chain of custody issues can seriously affect the outcome of a DUI case. When evidence isn’t handled or documented properly, it opens the door to doubt. These are the kinds of details that often slip through the cracks unless someone knows where to look.

A DUI lawyer in Lima, OH, will dig into every step your blood or breath sample went through. Scott A. Kelly, Attorney at Law, understands how small errors in the process can lead to significant opportunities for your defense. He builds cases by finding the weak spots others overlook.

Read on for common chain of custody problems that can shift a DUI case in your favor.

Key Takeaways

• Chain of custody mistakes, such as improper storage or sloppy paperwork, can raise serious doubts about the evidence.

• If a lab tech or officer skipped a step, there’s a real chance the case could fall apart in court.

• Label errors, missing signatures, and gaps in the timeline can all be used to challenge a DUI charge.

The Chain Of Custody Timeline Has Gaps

When police collect a blood or breath sample, every step must be documented. If there’s a break in that timeline, the whole process starts to look suspicious. A missing signature or unclear handoff can raise big questions in court.

These small gaps give your lawyer a way to challenge the evidence. If no one knows who had the sample for even a short time, it could have been mixed up or mishandled. That doubt can make a big difference in how your case turns out.

Multiple Lab Handlers With No Clear Record

Lab samples often pass through several hands before testing is complete. Each person must record what they did and when. If those records are missing or unclear, it raises serious doubts.

The court expects a clean, detailed chain of events. Gaps in that chain make it easier to question how the sample was handled. That missing trust can weaken the case against you.

Labeling Errors In Chain Of Custody Records

Mistakes on a label can cause significant problems in a DUI case. If a name, case number, or date of birth doesn’t match across forms, it creates confusion about who the sample belongs to. That kind of mix-up can be enough to question whether the results are valid.

A DUI lawyer in Lima, OH, will check every label and report for these details. Even minor errors can lead to the evidence being thrown out. If there’s a chance the sample was mislabeled, the court may decide it can’t be trusted.

Get the Help You Need From a DUI Lawyer in Lima, OH

Chain of custody problems aren’t just technicalities, they’re real opportunities to challenge the evidence. With the right approach, small mistakes can shift the outcome in your favor. Scott A. Kelly, Attorney at Law, knows how to turn those weak links into strong points in your defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can chain of custody issues affect DUI test results?

If the evidence is not stored, labeled, or handled correctly, the test results may not be reliable. These errors can lead to suppressed proof or even the dropping of charges.

What does a DUI defense look for in lab handling records?

Your defense will verify who handled the sample, how it was transferred, and whether each step was properly documented. Any missing details or vague entries can be used to question the integrity of the results.

Can outside lab mistakes impact a DUI case?

Yes, if your sample went to a third-party lab with poor protocols or a bad track record, your lawyer can challenge the credibility of the test. The court needs to know the evidence came from a reliable source, and lab errors make that harder to prove.