How a Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Can Help With Your Maryland DUI Case

Key Takeaways

• A forensic lawyer-scientist brings a unique combination of legal and scientific knowledge to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and handling of DUI evidence.
• Breathalyzer results, blood tests, and field sobriety tests aren’t always as straightforward as they may seem. Testing errors, procedural problems, and other factors can affect the reliability of the results and potentially impact a DUI case.
• Attorney Andrew Alpert holds the Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation and is the first and only board-certified DUI Defense attorney in Maryland.

If you’re facing a DUI charge in Maryland, a conviction could have consequences that affect your driving privileges, finances, career, and future for years to come. This is why having the right defense strategy is extremely important.

A forensic lawyer-scientist at Alpert Schreyer, LLC brings a unique combination of legal knowledge and scientific expertise to your Maryland DUI case. Your attorney will closely examine the evidence against you, identify potential weaknesses in breathalyzer results, blood tests, field sobriety testing, and other forensic evidence to determine whether proper procedures were followed. Because our attorneys have advanced knowledge of DUI laws, we know how to put together a strong defense for your case.

What Is a Forensic Lawyer-Scientist?

A forensic lawyer-scientist combines legal experience with in-depth, cutting-edge knowledge of the science behind DUI testing and evidence. Attorney Andrew Alpert holds the Forensic Lawyer-Scientist Designation as recognized by the Chemistry and the Law Division of the American Chemical Society. This designation means Andrew Alpert has specialized training in understanding and using reliable science in legal cases. He can examine scientific evidence, determine whether the methods used are trustworthy and properly supported, and challenge evidence based on questionable or unreliable science in court.

Because prosecutors often rely on chemical test results, errors in equipment, testing procedures, or staff training can potentially affect the accuracy of those results. A forensic lawyer-scientist knows how to read these reports and where to look for errors and discrepancies.

Common DUI Testing Errors

Here are some common DUI testing errors that a forensic lawyer-scientist is trained to identify, and ones that attorneys without specialized scientific knowledge may overlook.

Faulty Breathalyzer Calibration

A forensic lawyer-scientist knows what to look for and can determine whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated, maintained, and operating accurately.

Improper Administration of Field Sobriety Tests

A breath test is only as reliable as the procedures used to administer it. Unclear instructions, improper testing conditions (e.g., wet, slippery, uneven pavement), or an officer’s failure to follow required procedures can all potentially affect the results. Depending on how the test is conducted, questions may be raised about whether the reported Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) accurately reflects the driver’s alcohol level at the time of testing.

Ethanol Contamination

Alcohol from external sources, (e.g., certain hand sanitizers or cleaning products) can possibly affect breathalyzer results if testing procedures aren’t properly followed. This is why proper testing protocols for breathalyzer tests are so important.

Carryover or Cross-Contamination

Laboratory equipment must be thoroughly cleaned and maintained between samples. If proper procedures aren’t followed, there’s a risk of contamination or carryover that could potentially affect the accuracy of a subsequent test result.

Deviation From Standard Procedures

Maryland laboratories must follow established procedures for collecting, handling, storing, and testing DUI samples. When those procedures aren’t properly followed, it can raise important questions about the reliability of the results.

Broken Chain of Custody

From the moment a DUI sample is collected to the time it is tested, every transfer and handling step should be carefully documented. Gaps or inconsistencies in that chain of custody raise questions about the sample’s integrity and the reliability of the results.

Only Board-Certified DUI Defense Attorney at Alpert Schreyer, LLC

When facing a DUI charge, having an attorney who has advanced knowledge of DUI laws, knows how to examine the evidence, and develop strong defense strategies can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Andrew Alpert holds the honor of being Maryland’s first and only attorney board-certified in DUI defense law by the National College for DUI Defense and has the advanced knowledge and skills to aggressively defend clients facing serious charges.

Don’t fight your DUI alone. If you’ve been arrested for suspected DUI or DWI, our Maryland criminal defense attorneys are available to help you 24/7. Contact us at (301) 720-1309 or fill out our online form for a free case consultation.

We have offices in Waldorf, Rockville, Lanham, and Frederick, and proudly serve clients in Prince George’s County, Calvert County, Frederick County, St. Mary’s County, County, Charles County, all of Maryland, and the District of Columbia.

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