In Michigan, one of the reasons prosecutors in DUI cases like using evidence collected by a breath test device is that the blood-alcohol number the machines produce at the scene cannot be retested. The sample collected by the device is not saved as with blood or urine tests. When the government performs one of the latter two tests, the accused person's attorney can typically have the sample tested by an independent laboratory. In this way, the government's claims about the defendant's BAL at the time of arrest may be found to be inaccurate.
Judge suppresses breath test results for cop's failure to advise
Supreme Court debating legality of warrantless DUI blood tests
The U.S. Supreme Court is considering a DUI case that could have consequences for constitutional rights in Lansing and across the country. The Court recently heard oral arguments in an appeal of a case involving a police officer drawing blood from a DUI suspect without a warrant. The question before the Court is whether the circumstances of a DUI arrest justify the violation of a suspect's Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable government searches and seizures.
Hockey player refuses preliminary breath test, charged with DWI
When someone is pulled over in Michigan for suspected drunk driving and asked to take a preliminary breath test, it is too late to Google the question online and try to decide what to do. That person would either say yes, or politely decline. Then what?
Community service and fine sentenced for state politician
Last January the Governor gave his state of the state address to Michigan legislators. While driving home after the speech, one of those legislators was pulled over and given a field sobriety test when drunk driving was suspected.
Breath test allegedly doctored by Lansing jail officer
What are the odds that you are in the Lansing jail, arrested under suspicion of drunk driving, and you know the officer who is administering your breath test? These are probably pretty slim odds that may have occured.
Michigan man refuses breath test, could face multiple charges
Police claim that a 63-year-old Benton Harbor man was driving erratically when they pulled him over at 11:30 one week ago on Friday. As sometimes happens, a routine traffic stop resulted in multiple charges.
DWI acquittal shows that a guilty finding isn't automatic
While some people in Michigan might think that the results of a breath test are infallible, the truth is that any number of factors could cause the results to be considered invalid -- which could result in the case being tossed out of court. A recent case involving a former federal official who had been charged with DWI illustrates how a faulty breath test, as well as other factors, can cause a DWI charge to be dropped.
Breath test validity a question in Michigan DUI arrests
St. Patrick's Day is often a time when a lot of drunk driving arrests occur. And while drivers in Lansing, Michigan, and surrounding areas should pay particular attention to law enforcement on the actual holiday, police in Michigan this year made a concerted effort to extend their vigilance beyond the actual holiday.
Michigan attorney suing over his 2009 DUI arrest
A drunk driving case in Warren, Michigan, from 2009 is making headlines again. This time it's because the man who was charged -- and acquitted in 15 minutes -- of DUI is now suing the city and arresting police officers for malicious prosecution, false arrest and false imprisonment after he was pulled over and refused a breath test.