Archive for September, 2012

Lab Errors Result in Over 50,000 DUI Cases Being Reexamined

Thursday, September 20th, 2012

Today, driving is an average portion of our lives, which we participate in almost everyday. Unfortunately, driving behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol, prescription medications, and other substances is also average within the United States. When an individual under the influence gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle they are not only putting themselves at risk of being involved in a serious automobile accident, but also other innocent people on the road as well. However, when it comes down to that of a DUI crime can you always count on crime and forensic labs to produce accurate results?

The Purpose of Forensic Labs

Crime and forensic labs are there for many different purposes. However, when it comes down to a DUI crime the majority of the time they take and analyze blood samples, perform urinalysis tests, and other testing methods in order to check the blood alcohol content of an individual, or if there were in drugs present in their system.  Usually, these tests are very procedural and have to be done in a specific order and evaluated in a specific way in order to convey true, and accurate results.

A Purpose Being Undermined

Recently, unfortunately, one crime lab failed to properly administer, and accurately examine blood samples, and urine tests, which has now caused nearly 50,000 DUI cases to be reexamined. The report dealing with the issue stated that the majority of the issues derived from one forensic analyst who was basically just sloppy with his work, and mishandled samples, as well as drugs within the lab. Currently, other lab analysts are quickly going back through the analyst’s work in order to make sure that those who were convicted of a DUI as a result of lab work were actually under the influence.

While accidents, and mistakes on our part are a common aspect of life that we deal with everyday it should not be existent within a crime lab. Make sure that when you are charged with a DUI crime to contact an experienced DUI attorney in order to fight for your rights, your case, and your life. Without one you can easily be convicted of a crime you did not commit and live with consequences now, and the rest of your life.

For a free consultation with one of our experienced Kansas auto accident lawyers, stop in and see us at our conveniently located downtown Wichita law office or contact us directly right now.

We Offer Full Bilingual Services for Croatian-Speaking Clients

Personal Injury Cases are Taken on a Contingency-Fee Basis You Pay No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Win Compensation For You

Free Consultations Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Visa & MasterCard Accepted

Cummings & Cummings, L.L.C. 129 East 2nd Street Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 264-1548
Fax: (316) 264-4704

Understanding Underage Drinking

Thursday, September 6th, 2012

Alcohol, today, is a very present aspect within our society. Whether you actually notice it or not alcohol is everywhere whether it is on advertisements, in your grocery store or convenience store, and even when you sit down for dinner at a restaurant; it’s there. However, alcohol today can also be present elsewhere such as that of underage individuals. In recent times, underage drinking has not only begun to occur more frequently, but has ultimately skyrocketed within the past few years. However, do those under the legal age of alcohol consumption actually understand the potential consequences they face when drinking, as well as when doing so behind the wheel of a motor vehicle?

The Facts of Underage Drinking

If you were to either go to a high school classroom, or a class full of college freshman and asked “Who in here has ever consumed alcohol?” would you be surprised that not only half, but the majority of the class would probably raise their hand? Studies today show that alcohol is now very commonly used amongst teenagers, and young adults under the age of 21. When students go to college they are faced with many different aspects than they were at home, such as the “everyone’s doing it” factor.

College Meets Consequences

Unfortunately, many individuals within this age range do not truly understand what the outcome of alcohol can be. When an individual under the age of 21 consumes alcohol and gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle they put not only themselves, but also others, and especially their future at risk. Many times, students within a collegiate setting that are charged, or convicted with a DUI can have their scholarships revoked, not be allowed further transportation registered at that campus, and can even be removed from the university. Unfortunately, this impacts a student’s future greatly, which can follow them for many years to come. A DUI charge and conviction can always interfere with post-graduate studies such as medical school, law school, and graduate schools.

Make sure that you take the time out of your day to discuss alcohol with your teenager, or young adult and explain what alcohol actually is, and the negative affects it causes, especially behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.

For a free consultation with one of our experienced Kansas auto accident lawyers, stop in and see us at our conveniently located downtown Wichita law office or contact us directly right now.

We Offer Full Bilingual Services for Croatian-Speaking Clients

Personal Injury Cases are Taken on a Contingency-Fee Basis You Pay No Attorney’s Fees Unless We Win Compensation For You

Free Consultations Evening & Weekend Appointments Available Visa & MasterCard Accepted

Cummings & Cummings, L.L.C. 129 East 2nd Street Wichita, KS 67202
Phone: (316) 264-1548
Fax: (316) 264-4704