920-294-1414
Are Blood Alcohol Tests In Wisconsin Reliable There Can Only Be One Best DUI Law Firm

Are blood alcohol tests in Wisconsin reliable?

When someone is arrested for driving under the influence, police may request that they provide a blood sample to determine blood alcohol concentration. Generally, these blood tests are considered to be more reliable than tests using a Breathalyzer. Questions have arisen, however, regarding the accuracy of blood alcohol tests performed at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene.

Labs generally use a technique called gas chromatography to determine the amount of alcohol present in a blood sample. This process is particularly well suited to separating and measuring the concentration of certain organic compounds in blood, including alcohol and the metabolites produced after a person ingests certain drugs. The basic idea is to vaporize the sample and to determine whether certain compounds are present. The results are displayed on a graph called a chromatogram.

If a test is conducted properly, the chromatogram will consist of a flat line interrupted periodically by peaks. Each peak represents the presences of certain substances in the sample. Ideally, each peak is discrete: that is, the separation between each peak on the graph is such that it is easy to determine which substance is which.

Recently, some chromatograms produced by the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene show a series of jagged peaks on the left side of the graph. It is unclear what is causing these peaks, but both the lab and Perkin Elmer - the company that manufactured the gas chromatograph equipment - acknowledge that they should not be there. The fear is that the equipment is malfunctioning.

Despite the hygiene lab's acknowledgement that some chromatograms have exhibited abnormalities, it continues to stand by the reliability of its results. It has noted that control tests performed with this equipment have all been well within manufacturer specifications. The fact is, however, that neither the lab nor the manufacturer can explain what is causing these potential malfunctions. Even if the control tests have been found to be accurate, that is not necessarily an indication that results exhibiting these mystery peaks are also accurate. Without identifying the definitive cause of these issues, it is difficult to say with certainty that chromatograms produced at the lab are reliable.

For those who are facing DUI charges, it is imperative to speak to an attorney with experience defending those accursed of these sorts of crimes. A DUI attorney knows how the system works and can help you take steps to protect your rights. To learn more, schedule a consultation with a DUI attorney today.

Contact the lawyers at Melowski & Singh, in Sheboygan, to schedule an appointment by calling 920-294-1414.

Not Just Representation, But Results

We Always Pursue the Best Possible Outcome for Our Clients
  • Second OWI With .21 Blood Test Case Dismissed
  • OWI Reduced to Operating Left of Center Charges Reduced
  • First OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • Fourth OWI Offense Charges Reduced
  • First OWI With .15 Blood Test Result Not Guilty
  • CDL Client's Career is Saved Charge Reduced
  • OWI - Homicide Case Not Guilty
  • Third OWI Offense Charges Reduced
  • First OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • First OWI and Drug Possession Case Dismissed
  • OWI Prescription Drugs First Offense Charge Reduced
  • First OWI Chemical Test Refusal Charge Reduced
  • First OWI Offense Charges Reduced
  • Third OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • OWI-1st With Refusal of Chemical Test Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .13 Blood Test Result Charges Reduced
  • First OWI With .22 Blood Test Result Not Guilty
  • First OWI With .249 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .11 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • Fifth OWI Offense Case Dismissed
  • First OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • First OWI Chemical Test Refusal Charges Reduced
  • Third OWI Dismissed Case Dismissed
  • OWI - Homicide Charge Reduced
  • First OWI Offense Not Guilty
  • First OWI With .20 Blood Test Result
  • First OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .14 Blood Test Result Not Guilty
  • Headline-Making Victory Not Guilty
  • First OWI With .14 Blood Test Result Charges Reduced
  • First OWI With .196 Blood Test Result Case Dismissed
  • Second OWI Chemical Test Refusal Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .183 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .11 Blood Test Result Charges Reduced
  • Third OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .164 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .108 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • Sixth OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • First OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .166 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • Delivery Client OWI Charge Reduced
  • Second OWI With .10 Blood Test Not Guilty
  • OWI-1st/Refusal of Chemical Test Charges Reduced
  • First OWI With .138 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • First OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • OWI-1st/PAC-1st With .16 Breath Test Result Charge Reduced
  • OWI With .17 Breath Test Result Charges Reduced
  • Complete Acquittal in Milwaukee County
  • Seventh OWI Probation
  • First OWI With .196 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • Second OWI With .15 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .13 Blood Test Result Charge Reduced
  • OWI Driving in Bike Lane Charge Reduced
  • First OWI With .10 Breath Test Result Charge Reduced
  • Medical Client First OWI Charge Reduced
  • Felony Hit and Run Charges Reduced
  • First OWI Chemical Test Refusal Case Dismissed
  • Fourth OWI Offense Charge Reduced
  • Third OWI Offense Charges Reduced
  • First OWI Chemical Test Refusal Charge Reduced
/

Why Choose Us?

Experience You Can Count On 
  • The Best DUI Defense Firm in the State
  • Over 1,000 DUI Cases Dismissed or Reduced
  • A Record of Success Unlike Any Other DUI Defense Firm
  • Helping People Fight Their DUI Charges Since 1993
  • DUI Defense Is All We Do
  • Personalized Attention on Your Case
Your DUI 
Defense Team

To seek an optimal result in your DUI case, you need the best team to fight the charges. You need a team that develops innovative strategies and delivers aggressive defense. At Melowski & Singh, LLC, we will provide effective counsel throughout your case.

  • Super Lawyers
  • AV Preeminent
  • AVVO 10.0
  • Avvo Client's Choice
  • ATLA
  • Newsweek Criminal Defense
  • Newsweek Trial Lawyer

Put Your DUI Behind You

Schedule a Free Consultation
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.