Category: Forensic Toxicology
Homeless Veteran Wins $400K After 7-Year Legal Battle Against Orange County Deputies
Los Angeles, CA (May 22, 2025) – It’s been 7 years in the making, but homeless veteran Jeremy Holloway has finally prevailed in his federal civil rights case against the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Ed Barley’s Reputation, Alleged No-Shows and Flawed BAC Testimony
This post criticizes Ed Barley’s professional reputation, alleged failures to appear after accepting expert appointments and repeated BAC opinions that the author argues are scientifically unsound.
Absorption-Phase BAC Readings: What They Actually Show
When I first stepped on the expert witness scene about 1.5 decades ago, I learned everything from Dr. Rose.
Dr. Vina Spiehler: Professional-Credibility Critique and Sources
This post presents the author’s direct professional-credibility critique of Dr. Vina Spiehler, including the testimony, qualifications and case experiences relied on for its conclusions.
Why Ed Barley’s Credentials Do Not Establish Formal Toxicology Training
This article presents the author’s critical review of Ed Barley’s claimed toxicology training, court-panel qualifications, and the standards used to evaluate expert testimony.
Ed Barley’s Biochemistry Degree Does Not Make Him a Forensic Toxicologist
This article presents a documented critique comparing Ed Barley’s biochemistry education with formal forensic-toxicology training and expert-qualification standards.
Alcohol Toxicology for Civil Lawyers: Evidence and Case Strategy
In April of 2021 Okorie Okorocha wrote an article on Alcohol toxicology for civil lawyers for “Advocate”
How Forensic Toxicologists Analyze Data
Forensic toxicology is a complex field revolving around the use of toxins, chemicals, and poisons, particularly pertaining to instances of crime or even death. It is important to understand the role that data can play in the outcomes of court cases where forensic toxicology comes into play.
Forensic Toxicology Testing: Specimens, Methods and Interpretation
How forensic toxicology uses fit-for-purpose methods, different biological specimens, validation, quality control, and bounded interpretation of drug and alcohol results.
Why Police Field Drug Test Kits Produce False Positives
Police use a variety of “quick and reliable” drug tests that can easily be administered. But while they definitely are quick, they are not the most reliable. Despite concerns about inaccuracies, police field drug test kits are still used on a daily basis and contribute to false convictions.
Hair Follicle Testing: Uses, Limits and Contamination Risks
Hair follicle testing has risen in use to over 200,000 drug tests per year in the U.S. This type of drug testing analyzes the hair shaft for drug metabolites, as opposed to analyzing bodily fluids such as urine or saliva which are used in most other types of drug testing .
Breathalyzer Tests: Accuracy, Limitations and Legal Challenges
It’s not uncommon for law enforcement to use breathalyzer tests for estimating the blood alcohol content in a driver’s system. The controversial results of these tests are then used as a case for charging someone with a DUI.
