Forensic Toxicology Blog
Evidence-based articles about toxicology, expert testimony, legal developments, alcohol, drugs, and forensic testing.
False-Positive Amphetamine Urine Screens: What Lawyers Should Request
A litigation-focused guide to presumptive amphetamine urine screens, assay-specific medication interference, confirmation, methamphetamine source and stereoisomer questions, and records counsel should request.
Methamphetamine Toxicology Lawyer and Expert Case Review
Legal and scientific review of methamphetamine evidence involving driving, postmortem redistribution, laboratory methods, and expert testimony.
Rule 702 and Forensic Toxicology Expert Testimony
A scientific issue-spotting framework for qualifications, sufficient facts, reliable methods, reliable application, and helpful forensic toxicology testimony.
How to Review a Toxicology Laboratory Packet
A step-by-step guide to reviewing specimen records, analytical methods, calibration, controls, raw data, calculations, corrective actions, and interpretation.
Positive Drug Test vs. Impairment: What It Proves
A positive toxicology result can establish detection or exposure, but impairment, timing, dose, and causation require additional scientific and case evidence.
Forensic Toxicology Case Review Checklist
A practical records checklist for reviewing specimen identity, chain of custody, raw laboratory data, calibration, quality controls, validation, and toxicology interpretation.
In-Custody Deaths, Toxicology, and the End of Excited Delirium in California
California bars excited delirium as a diagnosis and civil evidence. Learn what AB 360 means for in-custody death toxicology and section 1983 causation.
Vehicle Code Section 21221: What Actually Applies to a Motorized Scooter Rider
California Vehicle Code section 21221 applies driver rules to scooter riders, while section 21221.5 creates a separate $250 under-the-influence offense.
An E-Bike Is Not a Motor Vehicle: Beale v. DMV Bars Refusal Suspensions
Beale v. DMV held that California cannot suspend a driver’s license for chemical-test refusal arising from an electric-bicycle ride. Analysis of the ruling, controlling statutes, limits, and defense strategy.
Concentration Is Not Impairment: THC Blood Levels in California Driving Cases
California has no per se THC limit, and the pharmacology explains why. Blood THC falls fastest when effect is still rising, and frequent users carry measurable levels long after any effect.
“They Are Not Tests of Driving” — What the Field Sobriety Tests Actually Measure
The woman who built the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests testified under oath that they do not measure driving. A forensic toxicology review of the science behind HGN, the Walk-and-Turn, and the One-Leg Stand.
California Dual Employment: Working for a Competitor
California generally voids employee noncompete agreements, but that does not necessarily prevent an at-will employer from terminating a worker who simultaneously works for a competitor. The result depends on duties of loyalty, trade-secret conduct, contract terms and other statutory protections.
