How Does Death Affect Forensic Toxicology Findings
Forensic toxicology is used to determine what chemicals were ingested or present at a crime scene, including trace elements and residue. The forensic toxicologist’s findings determine what chemicals were present, and in what concentration, at the time of death. Determining what substances a person ingested, can be complicated by absorption,…
A Detailed Look At Forensic Pathology
Forensic pathology is an important and necessary function in the field of physiological science and crime scene investigations. What is the Role of a Forensic Pathologist? In the field of pathology, a forensic pathologist, commonly referred to as a medical examiner or coroner, is a trained physician whose role it…
Toxicology Lawyer Talks Medical Marijuana in the Workplace
With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana and medical marijuana in a handful of states, a common question has been raised amongst employees and employers: in states where marijuana has been legalized should it be allowed in the workplace? The answer to this question is not cut and dry, there…
The Legal Viability Of Over-The-Counter Drug Testing Kits
With the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana, there have been many discussions around the viability of drug testing at home and in the work place. According to the laws that govern drug testing in the state of California, there are clear guidelines by which employees, employers and other…
The Steps A Forensic Toxicologist Takes For Alcohol Testing
Before exploring the methods a forensic toxicologist uses to test for alcohol, it is important to understand what a forensic toxicologist is. Toxicology on its own is the study and identification of toxins and drugs in the human body and analyzing and quantifying the amounts of these substances. Forensics is…
The Reliability of Urine Testing
Many employers, schools, athletic associations and law enforcement agencies are conducting more frequent drug and alcohol testing. While there are many testing methods out there, the most commonly on-site drug test used is urine testing. Due to the nature of how urine testing is conducted and the manner in which…
How Gunshot Residue Helps or Hinders a Case
Once considered a critical piece of evidence within criminal trials, the reliability of using gunshot residue (GSR) as evidence has become a point of contention. This is mainly due to the possibility of tampering and the multiple factors by which someone could have exposure to the substance. In order to…
What Is A Toxicology Co-Counsel?
California courts are faced with an overwhelming number of cases each year. Ensuring thorough preparation of a legal case is important to ensure your case has a stronger argument when it’s heard in court. This sometimes requires enlisting the help of an expert witness or co-counsel. Forensics and toxicology are…
The Legalities of Hospital Blood Testing
The legalities behind hospital blood testing have crept their way into the media several times. When a patient arrives at the hospital, there are certain conditions that need to be met in order for their blood to be tested. These conditions may vary from state to state. In many instances,…
Defining the Role of a Forensic Lawyer
Forensic lawyers are experts in both law and forensic science. The intersection of science and law has allowed for new tools and methodologies for discovering truth. Okorie Okorocha has served as an expert witness in over 280 trials. His role is to help juries understand complex, scientific concepts and to…
Narcopouch Tests – Drug Testing Made Easy
A narcopouch test is a presumptive test designed to identify illegal substances. After analysis, a presumptive test will tell you one of two things. It is definitely not a certain substance or the sample is probably the suspected substance. Similar to a portable chemistry lab, narcopouch tests are self-contained, providing…
The Pros and Cons of Sweat Patches For Drug Testing
The use of sweat patches as a method of drug testing is a relatively new development in the field of forensic toxicology. Sweat patch drug testing is becoming increasingly popular among employers screening employees and job applicants for drug use, although sweat patches are typically used to monitor persons on…
