A new toxicology lab in Montgomery County has law enforcement and many in the legal community looking forward to faster turnaround when it comes to processing criminal evidence. The Sam Houston State University Regional Crime Lab opened this year, though it hasn’t begun receiving cases yet. It is estimated, by The Courier, that the new lab will be able to handle about 6,000 cases each year.
The lab won’t likely be used to DNA or “glamorous” lab work, but rather DUI, drug testing, and other fast and simple cases. The focus here seems to be quantity. And quantity is what’s needed considering evidence sent away to the Texas Department of Public Safety labs can take up to a year to be processed.
Basically, any time there is drug evidence in a criminal case, it is tested to ensure the substance is what is suspected and often just how potent it is. Also, blood tests are frequently ran following DWI cases. Simple lab tests that can be performed in a day seems to be what the new lab will focus on.
Drug evidence or physical evidence in any criminal case is very important. From even before the evidence is seized until it is admitted in court, the procedures and rules surrounding evidence can get quite complex and tricky.
In a criminal case, the prosecution will use all types of evidence to attempt to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Because of this, it should be a main concern of your attorney that all evidence admitted in court has been seized legitimately and processed while protecting your rights.
If police or lab workers made a mistake or an error of judgment with your evidence, there is a small chance it will be inadmissible in court and not available for the prosecution to use against you.
If you are facing drug charges, DWI charges, or any criminal charges and have questions about the evidence against you or the potential penalty you may face, contact our offices today for a consultation.
