Have you been arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or another chemical substance in New Jersey? If so, chances are slim that you were asked to provide a urine sample. Not all jurisdictions allow it, but many do. There are many questions about this type of chemical testing in suspected drunk driving and drugged driving cases, and we are here to help you understand it.

At Villamor Law Offices, our DWI defense attorney represents clients who have been charged with drunk driving or drugged driving offenses. Here, we discuss what urine tests are and provide the information you need to understand how this type of chemical test could impact your DWI case. Contact us at (888) 538-2111 to schedule a consultation and to learn more.

When Are Urine Tests Used in DWI Cases?

When police investigate alcohol- or drug-related criminal activity, in some circumstances, a driver may be required to submit to a urine test. Typically, a urine sample is taken in the presence of a police officer.

The urine test can detect metabolites within an individual's blood to determine if an individual was under the influence of a drug, but they do not detect the presence of a specific drug.

Urine test results can be used as evidence for both drunk driving and drugged driving-related offenses. The good news is this: the results are weaker and less reliable; therefore, they are more vulnerable to challenges.

Can You Refuse a Urine Test?

Unlike breath tests, you can refuse to submit to a urine test. Although, the police officer may try to get warrant to compel you to provide a blood sample. 

Problems with Urine Tests 

Urine tests are commonly believed to be the most unreliable of the three chemical tests used by the police.

Typical problems with urine tests include:

Inability to provide exact type of drug

Inability to provide exact amount of drug

Cannot determine when a drug was consumed (could have been a week ago or an hour ago)

Substantially providing a person's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) much higher than it is

Also, like breath and blood tests, urine samples and urine tests must be handled and conducted in accordance with strict regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations or any type of tampering or mishandling of the sample can compromise the integrity of the test results.

Contact Our DWI Defense Attorney Today

Urine tests are widely known to have many issues and are especially unreliable in DWI investigations. Fortunately, the process and results of a urine test can be challenged before, during, and even after a trial, depending on the facts and circumstances.

At Villamor Law Offices, our DWI defense attorney will challenge the integrity of a urine test's results. Proving unreliable test results or improper testing procedures could make the difference in establishing reasonable doubt. To learn more about how we can defend you against DWI charges, contact us by filling out the online form or calling us at (888) 538-2111 to schedule a consultation.