A forensic toxicologist analyzes biological samples (blood, urine, hair) to detect and measure drugs, alcohol, and other substances. In legal cases, we interpret those results — explaining what was present, what concentrations mean, and whether the science supports impairment or other claims. We review lab procedures, identify errors, and testify as expert witnesses when needed.

Hire an expert whenever your case involves blood, breath, or urine testing results that you plan to challenge or need explained. This includes DUI/DWI cases, drug possession or distribution charges, custody disputes with drug testing, workplace testing disputes, overdose or poisoning deaths, and any case where scientific evidence of substances is central. Early consultation — before depositions — gives you the best strategic advantage.

Screening tests (immunoassays) are quick, cheap, and designed to catch possible positives — but they have significant false positive rates. Confirmation tests (GC-MS or LC-MS/MS) are more expensive, more specific, and definitively identify substances. Screen-only results should never be used for legal decisions. Always demand confirmation testing.

Rates vary by expert and service. Typical ranges: case review/consultation $300-400/hour, expert reports $350-450/hour, deposition testimony $400-500/hour, trial testimony $450-550/hour. Most experts require an initial retainer ($2,000-5,000) applied against hourly billing. A thorough case review often costs $1,500-3,000 total. Complex cases requiring extensive testimony will be higher.

Send everything related to testing: lab reports, chain of custody forms, police reports (for DUI), blood/breath test printouts, medical records (if hospital testing involved), any discovery responses about lab procedures, and the specific legal charges or issues. More information is always better — let the expert tell you what’s relevant rather than filtering yourself.

BAC measures how much alcohol is in your blood, expressed as a percentage. A BAC of 0.08% means 0.08 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. The legal limit for driving is 0.08% in all U.S. states. A typical drink raises BAC by about 0.02-0.03% in an average person, though this varies significantly based on weight, sex, food consumption, and individual metabolism.

It depends on the state. Some states have ‘per se’ limits (typically 5 ng/mL of THC in blood), meaning you’re legally impaired above that level regardless of actual impairment. Other states require proof of actual impairment. The problem: unlike alcohol, THC concentration doesn’t correlate well with impairment. A regular user might function normally at 10 ng/mL while a first-time user is impaired at 2 ng/mL.