Tests Used in Richmond Drug DUI Cases

If a law enforcement officer pulls you over and believes you may be under the influence of a drug they will likely administer a blood test to determine your level of impairment. Below, a Richmond DUI drug lawyer discusses this test, what you should know, and whether or not you can refuse. To begin building a defense for your case, call and schedule a consultation today.

Tests Used in Richmond DUI Drug

In Richmond, Virginia, blood tests are typically what is used to determine a driver’s impairment when officers believe that driver to be under the influence of drugs. The process of a blood test usually involves the officer driving the defendant to the hospital where they will have their blood drawn by some kind of medical professional whether it be a nurse or doctor. The medical professional will then submit that paperwork acknowledging who they are and how they handled the blood.

How Long Do These Results Typically Take?

In general, it can take a little bit of time before the result are returned for a DUID blood test. Depending on the deparment of forensic science in Virginia that tests the blood, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months for the results of a blood test to come back.

What Types of Substances Can These Tests Catch?

Blood tests, unlike breath tests, are able to detect nearly every substance in your blood. With that said, however, authorities are only interested in examining the drugs or other chemicals that are not natural to the blood.

These drug tests are very accurate and will typically include a detailed account from the Virginia Department of forensic science of everything that was seen in the blood in addition to the levels that were found.

Can a Drug Test Be Wrong?

The drug tests can sometimes be wrong or at least provide a false indicator of impairment depending on when the tests were taken.  Testing issues may arise if the blood sample was taken several hours after you were driving and this can play a role in how the blood is handled.

Refusing To Take Blood Tests in Richmond

In Virginia, you have the right to refuse a blood tests, however doing so is its own charge which carries additional penalties and a license suspension. For a first offense refusal charge, your license will be suspended for 12 months during which you will not be eligible for a restricted license.

For a second or subsequent refusal offense or a refusal associated with the second or subsequent offender you are facing a Class 1 misdemeanor and will be facing not only a license suspension but the possibility of jail time as well.