Sunday, May 19, 2013

Latest local news, weather and high school sports for Northern Michigan

Could recent court case cause issue with drunk driving convictions?
Posted: 05.11.2011 at 2:35 PM
Roxanne Werly

Roxanne Werly is the Interactive and Broadcast Managing Editor for TV 7&4 and 29&8

8
Photo

LUDINGTON (AP) -- A northern Michigan judge says blood tests handled by the state police in drunken-driving cases are unreliable because the results don't carry a margin of error.

The judge says an error rate must be an "essential element" of the testing of blood samples at the state police lab. The decision last week by Judge Peter Wadel in Ludington is not binding on any other court but is certain to get attention.

Wadel ruled in the case of a man charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Two tests showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.29 and 0.30, well above the legal limit of 0.08.

The judge says the different numbers highlight "uncertainty in measurement."

State police admit they don't calculate an error rate, although an accrediting agency has requested one.

What do you think about this issue?  Tell us what you think by leaving your comments and get in on the conversation!

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Popular Stories
Thumbnail
Man viciously stabs mother and son, then dies in car crash
Kate Fox  |  Yesterday at 5:04 PM  |  10 comments
Thumbnail
Woman pinned underneath car after rollover accident
Yesterday at 11:05 AM  |  8 comments
Thumbnail
Strong storms possible to start the workweek
Christina Burkhart  |  Yesterday at 8:32 PM
Follow Up North Live
Get news and weather notifications on your phone by downloading the iPhone or Android app below
Sign up to get alerts and updates for breaking news, severe weather, and deals:
submit
ADVERTISEMENT
Special Features
ADVERTISEMENT