SEATTLE - A panel of King County District Court judges has ruled breath tests can again be used to prosecute drunken driving cases.
Yesterday's ruling lifts a suspension imposed in 2008 when District Court judges found the state crime lab has engaged in "fraudulent and scientifically unacceptable" practices that compromised breath test readings.
Since the ruling the lab has undergone a major overhaul, and is under new leadership.
Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said he is pleased about the ruling.
"I'm exceptionally proud of the work done by lab staff in response to the previous concerns," he said. "They've proven that judges and juries can count on the results they get from our lab."
The State Patrol says as part of fixing earlier problems, the lab sought international accreditation for its breath test program. At the time accreditation was granted, it was only the fourth lab in the world to have met that standard.
"The breath test is a valuable tool for juries to use when someone has put us all at risk by driving while impaired," Batiste said. "If you choose to drink and drive in Washington, we're coming after you with every tool we have."
Click here for more: http://www.nwcn.com/news/washington/Breath-tests-back-in-King-County-DUI-cases-103551084.html
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com
Since the ruling the lab has undergone a major overhaul, and is under new leadership.
Washington State Patrol Chief John R. Batiste said he is pleased about the ruling.
"I'm exceptionally proud of the work done by lab staff in response to the previous concerns," he said. "They've proven that judges and juries can count on the results they get from our lab."
The State Patrol says as part of fixing earlier problems, the lab sought international accreditation for its breath test program. At the time accreditation was granted, it was only the fourth lab in the world to have met that standard.
"The breath test is a valuable tool for juries to use when someone has put us all at risk by driving while impaired," Batiste said. "If you choose to drink and drive in Washington, we're coming after you with every tool we have."
Click here for more: http://www.nwcn.com/news/washington/Breath-tests-back-in-King-County-DUI-cases-103551084.html
For information on your Washington State DUI please contact our Snohomish County DUI attorneys, Whatcom County DUI attorneys, King County DUI attorneys, Island County DUI attorneys, or Skagit County DUI attorneys at 425-493-1115 or check out our website at http://www.washdui.com
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