What is Urinalysis?
Urinalysis for measuring Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a method used to determine the presence and concentration of alcohol in a person's system by analyzing a urine sample. While more commonly, BAC is measured directly from blood samples or breathalyzers, urinalysis can be used as an alternative, particularly in certain legal, medical, or employment contexts. Here’s a detailed explanation:
How Urinalysis Works for Measuring BAC
- Collection of Urine Sample: A urine sample is collected from the individual in a sterile container. This sample must be collected under controlled conditions to ensure its integrity and to prevent tampering.
- Detection of Ethanol: The primary component tested in the urine is ethanol, the type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages. When a person consumes alcohol, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream and is eventually metabolized by the liver. However, not all of it gets metabolized, and some is excreted unchanged in the urine.
- Analysis: The urine sample is analyzed using various techniques, such as gas chromatography, enzymatic assays, or immunoassays, to detect and measure the concentration of ethanol.
- Timing: Ethanol can be detected in urine for up to 12-48 hours after the last drink, depending on various factors like the amount of alcohol consumed, the individual’s metabolism, and overall health.
Correlation with BAC:
- Unlike blood or breath tests, which provide a more immediate measure of current BAC, urinalysis indicates the presence of alcohol and can provide an estimate of BAC over the recent past.
- Because urine represents a cumulative amount of alcohol excreted over time, it doesn’t provide a real-time snapshot of BAC. Typically, the concentration of alcohol in urine can be roughly 1.33 times the concentration in the blood.
How Accurate is Urinalysis for Measuring Blood-Alcohol?
Not very.
Despite this, many states still permit urinalysis to be used in determining a suspect’s blood-alcohol concentration. This is consistently the least accurate of the three available methods of analysis. The reasons for this are basically three.
First, the test is completely dependent on the subject voiding his bladder and then waiting 20 minutes for fresh urine to be secreted into the bladder for a more representative sample. And it is virtually impossible for an individual to completely void his bladder: There will usually be about 10cc of old urine left. This urine will combine with approximately 20cc of fresh urine produced during the wait, resulting in a sample that is one-third old urine — a sample that will contain alcohol from many hours before the subect was driving.
Second, the concentration of alcohol in the blood is arrived at by assuming that the amount of alcohol in the urine is 1.33 times greater. In other words, a partition ratio of 1.33:1 is used. And as I’ve written in an earlier post concerning breath-to-blood partition ratios (” ), this is only an average: the ratio varies from person to person and within one person from moment to moment. Translated into practical consequences, a person with a blood-urine ratio of 2.0:1 who has, for example, a true blood-alcohol level of .06% will have his urine sample analyzed as indicating a blood-alcohol level of .10% — that is, a presumably sober person will be “scientifically” proven to be under the influence of alcohol.
Third, urine often contains a yeast called Candida albicans. This organism has an interesting characteristic: it manufactures alcohol in the urine (caused by the interaction with glucose). This “immaculate conception” of alcohol in the bladder has been confirmed by numerous scientific studies. See, for example, “Bladder Beer — A New Clinical Observation”, 95 Transactions of the American Clinical Climatological Association 34.
To make things more interesting, Candida albicans is also unaffected by preservatives added by the police to urine specimens. In other words, alcohol will continue to be produced inside the evidence vial for days until it is finally analyzed at the crime lab.
The post How Accurate is Urinalysis for Measuring Blood-Alcohol? appeared first on Law Offices of Taylor and Taylor - DUI Central.
it is legally impossible to erase the conviction completely from their criminal record. Only an arrest or detention that did not result in a conviction can be erased from a criminal record. Stay tuned for a later post on “seal and destroying” an arrest that did not result in a conviction.
Having said all that, an expungement is a beneficial tool in cleaning, not clearing, a criminal record. It might be the difference between getting that job and not.
If you have been convicted of DUI or a DUI-related offense and wish to have the conviction expunged, contact the Law Offices of Taylor & Taylor. The entire process shouldn’t take longer than a few weeks and, depending upon the jurisdiction, you will probably not have to personally appear in court.
You Should Know
Follow the links below for additional crucial information
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San Bernardino County Sheriffs
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San Bernardino District Attorney
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San Bernardino Police Department
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Rancho Cucamonga Police Department
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San Bernardino Superior Courts
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Rancho Cucamonga Superior Courts
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Victorville Superior Court
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Barstow Superior Court
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Hesperia Police Department
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Fontana Police Department
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Apple Valley Police Department
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Rialto Police Department
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Montclair Police Department
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Arrest for Driving Under the Influence(DUI)
At The Law Offices Of Taylor & Taylor, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Chris not only got me down to a Wet Reckless but was able to significantly reduce the penalties I would face."
Im am so glad that I read the reviews of Taylor and Taylor after my first "incident" and immediately contacted them. Chris was great at calming my nerves as this was my 1st offense and at a .06 it was right on the line on a trial or pleading it out. Chris not only got me down to a Wet Reckless but was able to significantly reduce the penalties I would face. His whole office staff was also very helpful and he returned my calls when I had questions if not the same day, the next. I plan on having my record expunged and will be going back to him for that. He attended all DMV and court hearings on my behalf which took A LOT of stress off me. I strongly recommend him.
Suzi J. -
"I have come across many attorneys in my life and I have never been treated as well as I have her"
I have come across many attorneys in my life and I have never been treated as well as I have here. Every phone call was returned in a timely and courteous manner. The first consultation was very professional, and my attorney Chris patiently answered every question I had. In situations like this, responsiveness is key and this firm never left me feeling uninformed. I was very satisfied with the outcome of my case and would definitely recommend this firm to anyone in need of a DUI defense attorney.
Anthony D. -
"Christopher always made me aware of what was going on with my hearings, and got me the best outcome possible."
When you need to get a lawyer, you aren't usually in a great situation. I wasn't at least. Christopher and his team never made me feel ashamed, they just help me get through a situation where sh*t happens. Christopher always made me aware of what was going on with my hearings, and got me the best outcome possible. He made things easy to understand, helped with the paperwork, and I while I *hope* to not have to seek his services again, I would highly recommend him and his team for anyone needing a lawyer!
Jessica S. -
"Thankfully Mr. Taylor was able to help fight my case without me ever having to go to court"
You should never drink and drive anywhere, but especially don't do it in la Jolla! Cops down here have nothing better to do then make your life miserable. It is also a college town which adds assault to injury. I should take my own advice because I was recently arrested for a DUI down in La Jolla. A friend of mine referred me to Mr. Taylor's office and I am extremely glad I got into contact with them. I hardly blew over the legal limit and did perfectly fine on the sobriety tests but still was arrested. Thankfully Mr. Taylor was able to help fight my case without me ever having to go to court and I was able to have the charges dropped. Extremely professional law firm with the experience to get you the results you want.
Steven K. -
"I would recommend this firm with no qualms!"
I received counsel in a sensitive legal matter from Lawrence Taylor Sr., and his advice was spot on. I did some research and I also know that the senior Mr. Taylor is in the top echelon in his field. He has written text books on DUI and he has taught the topic in law school. I would recommend this firm with no qualms!
Jerry S. -
"Mrs. Normandeau is by far the hardest-working and most diligent attorney I have ever met."
I cannot express enough gratitude towards Taylor and Taylor's Attorney, Jeanne Normandeau. I hired Mrs. Normandeau for a VERY messy DUI case. Not only did she approach it with the utmost professionalism, but also displayed a level of empathy that is unmatched in this profession.
Mrs. Normandeau is by far the hardest-working and most diligent attorney I have ever met. She could be reached if I ever needed to get ahold of her, whether it be email, call, or text. Not only was she available but was willing to talk about any questions I had or work through any legal issues. Mrs. Normandeau's unrelenting work, extensive preparation, and tireless advocacy were instrumental in successfully dismissing my case.Bruce R. -
"This is a top level law firm. The Bible of DUI's comes from this firm!"
This is a top level law firm. The Bible of DUI's comes from this firm! These are the guys other attorneys call when they are stuck on a legal issue or need some guidance. There is no other firm or DUI attorney that has the kind of experience these folks do. I have practiced for a long time, and can tell you that when these guys walk into court the clients will fair 1000% better! Most attorneys do not have trial experience, and if your case must go that direction it's scary to see non experienced dui attorneys walking in with no experience. NOT these guys. Chris Taylor is one of the best trial attorneys I have ever seen; and a force to be reckoned with. The folks I have recommended have had nothing short of positive experiences. A DUI is nothing short of stressful, and can have such an impact on a persons life between restricted or no driving privileges, classes, the cost, and the general stress of it all. This law firm handles all of these issues with such ease, and most important you know you are the most well represented client in any court or DMV hearing
Tania C. -
"Jeanne Normandeau is a great lawyer. She knows how the Riverside court judges work."
Jeanne Normandeau is a great lawyer. She knows how the Riverside court judges work. She will fight for you and will get you the best results after fighting with the judge and DA. She is honest and smart. Never had any problems, answers all questions and is always easy to contact. If you have the money, I recommend Jeanne. The public defender and judge will offer you the worst deal you can get.
Joe E. -
"They will fight strategically to help you win your case."
These are the best lawyers in LA/OC when it comes to DUI cases. They will fight strategically to help you win your case. My Attoney Chris Taylor was impeccable in many aspects; one he interrogated the officer causing him to fumble with his initial statement; two he is well respected within the courtroom; three he keeps you well informed with everything he is doing and what you may need to do. I can't be more pleased with the outcome of his performance. Thank you God for Taylor and Taylor!
Kendall L. -
"Won DMV hearing and got my case expunged for a minor issue"
Truly great team of lawyers. Handled everything the very best they could. Won DMV hearing and got my case expunged for a minor issue, so no record, as it should be! Can definitely rely on them.
Nick T.
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Orange County, California Sheriff Department
Online community resources and services for cad calls, inmate information, crime statistics and employment opportunities.
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Orange County Superior Courts
Locations of courthouses in Orange County where DUI cases are handled.
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Orange County Government Online
Official website for the government of Orange County, California.
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Newport Beach Police Department
Official website.
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City of Newport Beach
Official Website
With an average of 32 years of experience, a top A-V rating, and a listing in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, the firm continues to be widely recognized as California’s premier DUI defense attorney's and has twice been recognized in the American Bar Association Journal for its specialization and unique technical support staff of former law enforcement, blood-alcohol and DMV experts.
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Felony DUI w/ InjuryRancho Cucamonga - 18 months prison, loss of license.
Reduced to Misdemeanor DUI (fine, no jail)
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DUI & Hit-And-Run (.30%)
Vista - 1-year jail, fine, license suspension.
DUI Dismissed, Plea to Hit-and-Run (Fine)
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2nd Offense DUI At High Speed
Ventura - 1-year jail, fine, loss of license.
Charges Dismissed
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Drunk Driving
Los Angeles - 6 months jail, fine, license suspension
Reduced to Exhibition of Speed (fine)
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Drunk Driving w/ Drugs
Glendale - 6 months jail, fine, license suspension.
Charges Dismissed
