Colorado DUI Blood Test Evidence

In Colorado, blood testing is one of the main tools police use to build DUI cases, and prosecutors often treat these results as the most reliable evidence of impairment. If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures 0.08% or higher, the state considers you legally intoxicated. But blood tests are not foolproof; mistakes can happen during collection, storage, or analysis. Even small errors in labeling, handling, or laboratory procedures can raise serious doubts about the accuracy of the results.

At DUI Law Firm Denver, we understand how to effectively challenge these tests through a combination of legal strategy and scientific expertise. Our team has the experience, training, and determination to expose flaws in the evidence and fight for your rights. If you’re facing DUI charges based on blood test results, don’t assume the case against you is airtight. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our expertise to work for you.

Start Building Your Defense with DUI Law Firm Denver

If you’re facing DUI charges in Colorado, the outcome of your case may depend on how well your lawyer understands blood test evidence. At DUI Law Firm Denver, we combine deep legal knowledge with scientific expertise to aggressively challenge blood test results. Our attorneys know that even a single mistake in the collection, handling, or testing of your blood sample can cast doubt on the entire case against you.

We thoroughly investigate every detai, from how your sample was stored, to whether the lab followed strict procedures, to whether the testing equipment was properly maintained and calibrated. We also consider your BAC results in context, reviewing your medical history, the timing of the test, and any inconsistencies that may work in your favor. By leveraging proven defense strategies and drawing on years of experience in Colorado DUI courts, our team builds strong, personalized defenses that target weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence.

Don’t let questionable blood test results decide your future. Call DUI Law Firm Denver today for a free consultation and put our experience, aggressive representation, and commitment to protecting your rights on your side.

Gloved hand holding blood sample test tube. - Blood Test Evidence

Understanding DUI Blood Tests in Colorado

In Colorado, blood tests are used to check how much alcohol is in a person’s blood when they are suspected of drunk driving. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08%.

To do the test, a medical worker takes a blood sample within two hours after driving. They follow strict rules to keep the sample safe and accurate. Special kits approved by the state are used to collect the blood, and the samples are tested in labs using a method called gas chromatography.

If you are tested, you have the right to ask for your own test and get a part of your blood sample. The state has to keep your blood sample safe for one year.

You can question the test if there are problems like bad storage, contamination, or if the rules weren’t followed. Things like natural blood changes, health issues, or when the blood was taken can change how accurate the test is.

Common Issues with DUI Blood Test Evidence

Police testimony plays a major role in DUI trials, but it isn’t always reliable. Much of what officers describe is based on personal judgment rather than hard science, and inconsistencies between written reports and courtroom statements can create serious doubts about accuracy. Defense attorneys often focus on these weaknesses to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect the rights of the accused.

Chain of Custody Errors

In DUI cases, how blood evidence is handled is really important. In Colorado, errors in the way this evidence is tracked are a big reason why test results might be questioned.

When blood samples are taken, there must be a clear record of where they go and how they’re stored until they are tested in a lab. Common mistakes include missing signatures on transfer forms, not keeping track of storage temperatures, or wrong labels on samples. These mistakes can make people doubt if the sample is real and untampered.

Police in Colorado have to follow strict rules for handling blood samples. This includes making sure they are properly sealed, labeled, and kept cool when moved. If they don’t follow these rules, lawyers might ask the court to ignore the blood test evidence.

If there are missing records for more than a day or no logs showing temperatures, it’s often enough to challenge the results of blood alcohol tests.

Blood Sample, DUI, Chain of Custody, Colorado Courts, Evidence Handling, Documentation Errors, BAC Results, Law Enforcement Protocols, Defense Attorneys.

Contamination and Improper Storage

When handling DUI blood samples, it’s important to keep them safe from contamination and bad storage. If not stored right, they can spoil because of chemical changes, bacteria, or mixing with other samples.

Blood samples must be kept cold, between 2-8°C, and have the right chemicals added as soon as they are taken. If this doesn’t happen, the samples might make fake alcohol and mess up the results. Labs need to keep careful records of how they store samples and often check refrigerators to make sure everything stays safe.

Lab Mistakes and Human Error

Human mistakes can happen even in forensic labs, especially when testing blood for alcohol in DUI cases. Some common mistakes include mixing up samples, not setting up machines right, and typing in wrong information. These errors can mess up the test results.

People working in the lab might get tired, not have enough training, or hurry through their work when there’s a lot to do. These situations can lead to mistakes like labeling samples wrong or messing up paperwork that shows who handled the evidence.

If the math is done wrong when figuring out blood alcohol levels, it can lead to incorrect results.

Labs try to catch these mistakes by testing their workers without them knowing it’s a test and checking their work regularly. But human mistakes can still happen, so it’s important to think about this when looking at blood test results in DUI cases.

Testing Delays and Rising BAC Defense

When someone is stopped for drunk driving, the time it takes to test their blood can affect the results. If there’s a long delay, the test might show more alcohol than was in their system when they were driving. This is because alcohol levels can keep going up for 30 to 90 minutes after the last drink.

How fast a person absorbs alcohol can change depending on things like if they ate food, how their body works, and their body size.

If it takes more than two hours to test the blood after being stopped, it might not be as useful in court. This is because it’s hard to know exactly what the alcohol level was at the time of driving.

Lawyers often use these timing issues to argue that the test results are not accurate in DUI cases.

Can DUI Blood Test Results Be Challenged in Court?

Yes, despite their reputation as “gold standard” evidence, DUI blood test results in Colorado can absolutely be challenged in court. These tests are only as reliable as the people and processes behind them, and mistakes happen more often than most realize. Errors during the blood draw, mishandling of the sample, improper storage conditions, or faulty testing equipment can all lead to inaccurate results. Even small gaps in the chain of custody or violations of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment protocols can be enough to undermine the prosecution’s case.

At DUI Law Firm Denver, we know how to spot these weaknesses and use them to your advantage. Our attorneys carefully review every detail of your blood test, from the qualifications of the person who drew it to the calibration of the machines that analyzed it. With deep knowledge of Colorado DUI laws, scientific testing standards, and courtroom strategy, we build aggressive defenses that cast doubt on unreliable evidence. Don’t let faulty blood test results determine your future, call DUI Law Firm Denver today and start building the strongest possible defense.

Consequences of Refusing a DUI Blood Test

In Colorado, refusing a DUI blood test comes with serious penalties. Under the state’s “express consent” law, every driver automatically agrees to take a chemical test if law enforcement suspects impairment. If you refuse, your driver’s license will be revoked for one year on the first offense, two years for a second, and three years for a third. Beyond losing your license, prosecutors may argue that your refusal shows you were trying to hide intoxication. While refusal prevents immediate BAC evidence, it often makes your case harder to defend and can result in harsher penalties in court.

Colorado’s Express Consent Law

Colorado’s Express Consent Law requires drivers to submit to a chemical test, either blood or breath, if an officer has probable cause to believe they are driving under the influence. By holding a Colorado driver’s license, you have already agreed to this requirement. Officers must advise you of your rights and explain the consequences of refusal. In most cases, you can choose between a blood or breath test, unless a serious accident involving injury or death makes a blood test mandatory. Refusing testing automatically triggers a license revocation and may weaken your defense in a DUI case.

License Suspension and Penalties

Refusing a DUI blood test in Colorado leads to automatic license suspension under the Department of Revenue’s administrative penalties. A first refusal results in a 12-month suspension, a second refusal in 24 months, and a third refusal in 36 months. In addition, you will likely be required to install an ignition interlock device and complete alcohol education before reinstating your driving privileges. These penalties are separate from any criminal DUI charges, meaning you face both court consequences and administrative consequences from the DMV.

Implied Guilt vs. Legal Defenses

When a driver refuses a DUI blood test in Colorado, prosecutors often argue that the refusal is evidence of guilt, suggesting the driver knew they were intoxicated. This can influence plea negotiations and trial outcomes. However, skilled DUI defense attorneys know how to challenge these assumptions. You may have refused because of a medical condition, a fear of needles, confusion about your rights, or improper police procedures. An experienced lawyer can argue that refusal alone does not prove guilt and may uncover constitutional or procedural violations that strengthen your defense.

Why Work with DUI Law Firm Denver on Blood Test Evidence?

When your future is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer; you need a team that knows how to challenge Colorado DUI blood test evidence from every angle. At DUI Law Firm Denver, we combine deep knowledge of Colorado’s DUI laws with a scientific, detail-driven approach to defending our clients.

Our attorneys work closely with forensic toxicologists and medical experts to uncover errors in the blood testing process. We know how to expose problems with sample collection, improper storage, faulty lab equipment, or chain-of-custody mistakes that can compromise results. We carefully review lab records, certification documents, and testing procedures to ensure every step meets strict Colorado standards.

We also understand the science behind alcohol absorption and elimination. Blood alcohol concentration can rise significantly between the time of driving and the time of testing, and we use this fact to cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims.

With our blend of legal expertise, scientific knowledge, and aggressive defense strategies, DUI Law Firm Denver gives you the strongest chance to protect your rights, your license, and your future. If you’re facing DUI charges, don’t leave your case to chance. Call us today and start building a defense that works.

You need the best DUI Attorney you can find!

Contact DUI Law Firm Denver today!

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Contact DUI Law Firm Denver Today

If you’re facing DUI charges in Colorado and blood test evidence is involved, time is critical. The sooner you act, the better your chances of protecting your license, your freedom, and your future. At DUI Law Firm Denver, we combine in-depth knowledge of Colorado DUI laws with a scientific approach to blood alcohol testing, giving you the aggressive defense you deserve.

Our team will review every detail of your case, from the blood draw and chain of custody to lab procedures and BAC results, to uncover errors and weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. With years of experience and a proven track record, we know how to challenge unreliable blood test results and fight for the best possible outcome.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call DUI Law Firm Denver today, schedule a confidential consultation, and put a skilled legal team on your side.