Crime Lab Analysis in Michigan

Drug Crimes Lawyers Providing Vigorous Defense Against Lab Errors in Ann Arbor, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing and Throughout Michigan

It is well known among Michigan drug crimes defense attorneys that the U.S. crime laboratories are often understaffed and under-funded. Essentially, this leaves many defense lawyers who represent individuals allegedly involved in drug crimes questioning the reliability of crime lab analysis.

When an individual is arrested for or charged with drug possession or possession with intent to deliver, sell, or distribute drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD or other illegal substances, drugs that are recovered are frequently sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab for analysis. In other words, the substances alleged to be illegal drugs are analyzed by trained toxicologists to determine whether the substances are indeed the drugs they are believed to be.

Experienced Drug Crimes Law Firm

At Grabel & Associates, we know that looks can be deceiving. A substance may appear to be cocaine or heroin on the outside, but that does not make it a fact. When a drug case goes to court, the prosecutor must prove that the alleged drugs or illicit substances seized by law enforcement are actually what the prosecution claims those substances to be. This is accomplished by sending the evidence to a crime lab for analysis. Once the substance has been analyzed to determine if it in fact is an illegal drug, the analyst from the crime lab will help the prosecution prove its case by testifying in court.

So, what is the problem with crime lab analysis? When recovered drugs are sent to the Michigan State Police crime lab, it can take a substantial amount of time for those alleged drugs to actually be analyzed. In the meantime, an arrest warrant may be issued without you even being aware of it. When you are suspected of committing a drug crime and a substance has been sent off for crime lab analysis, it is important that you retain the services of a skilled Michigan drug crimes lawyer in advance, so that you can be well-prepared should a warrant be issued for your arrest.

Shortcomings with Crime Lab Analysis

Over the past year there have been problems with crime labs in Michigan. Michigan State Police administrators have made claims that the problems consist of clerical issues, however quality control issues have come to the forefront in recent months, as it has been found that in one crime lab (and perhaps others), precautions were not being taken to prevent evidence tampering and contamination.

Because the number of crimes involving drugs are increasing not only in Michigan but across the country, crime labs are backlogged, and having a very hard time keeping up with the demands of prosecutors who want as much physical evidence as possible collected and analyzed. The sharp increase in the abuse of prescription drugs in our society is part of the reason crime labs are backed up. Ultimately, it all boils down to the fact that crime lab analysis may not be reliable, which could essentially work to the advantage of individuals accused of drug crimes.

At Grabel & Associates, our Michigan defense lawyers vigorously defend clients accused of committing drug offenses. Our goal is to protect your legal rights and freedom, ultimately helping you avoid harsh criminal penalties. We are available 24/7, so contact us now online or at 1-800-342-7896 for exceptional legal guidance and representation.