Court Ordered DUI or DWI

In some states, DUI and DWI may mean the same thing. In others, DUI (driving under the influence) may specifically mean driving while intoxicated with alcohol, while DWI (driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired) indicates that the driver was impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or both. Although a urine test is the most common screening method for the courts and law enforcement, other types can be ordered depending on the circumstances and how far a look-back you need.

Since states differ on how they define DUI, they may or may not order a drug test in addition to an alcohol test for someone who has been arrested for driving under the influence.

Breathalyzer and blood tests are commonly used as field sobriety tests to check the driver's BAC (blood alcohol content) prior to arrest. Once a driver is arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, a urine, hair follicle or PEth test may be ordered, in addition to a panel urine drug screen, depending on the circumstances.

Screening options for courts and legal counsel are as follows:

Health Street can help you determine the best type of screening for your situation.

After a DWI or DUI conviction, a sobriety test may be mandatory before the trial, to ensure that they are not using alcohol or drugs. A screening (or random testing) may be mandated by the court as part of a DUI or DWI rehabilitation program. Law enforcement officers or the prosecutor may require screenings to prove their case, or a criminal defense lawyer may use negative results to show that their client has complied with rehabilitation program requirements.

Even before DUI charges have been filed, the driver may refuse field sobriety tests requested by the arresting officer. Although there are no penalties for refusing tests of this type, if the officer can demonstrate probable cause to believe the driver is intoxicated, implied consent laws require the person to submit to a chemical test (breath, urine or blood) to measure BAC. Test refusal can lead to the driver having their license suspended and other penalties. Depending upon the state and the number of offenses, it may be fines, suspension, or revocation, and possibly even jail time.

Testing requirements will vary from court to court, as well as from case to case. Considerations may include whether this was the driver's first conviction, if they have a history of substance abuse, if there was an injury caused to another party by an accident, etc.

If you are required by the court to get drug and/or alcohol testing, make sure that you understand exactly what is being asked of you. Health Street has expertise with court-ordered alcohol and drug testing. We can help you to comply with virtually any requirement or regulation. Test results are fast and accurate, with professional analysis. Health Street can deliver these results by email, fax, or secure client login, to attorneys, spouses, or directly to the court system. We offer maximum flexibility, privacy, and security.

A driver who was convicted of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be required to call into a court's phone system every day to hear if their "color" was called. If it has been, they must get an alcohol or drug test in a specific timeframe set by the court (for example, by 11 a.m.). Health Street is the ideal agency for DUI/DWI alcohol and drug tests, since we have a nationwide network of 5000+ clinics, immediate availability, and are flexible when handling court orders.

Health Street can set up and manage custom random notifications, acting as the responsible party that selects the dates when the person is notified that they must be tested. This is scheduled according to the protocol established by the court. For example, if the court mandates that the driver be notified every week or month for random testing, we will contact the individual to be tested on a random day during each time period that a test is required. We can set up customized random tests however the court requires it.

In many cases, the court wants results to be sent directly from the testing agency. Health Street can fax your test results to the court, or we can email them to your attorney, or to anywhere you prefer.

Order your DUI/DWI tests today or call us if you have any questions about our services.