Forensic Lab Accused of Flawed Testing, Sparking Legal Challenges in Cannabis DUI Cases
12/13/2024
The University of Illinois Chicago's Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory (UIC AFTL) is under scrutiny for allegedly providing flawed test results in marijuana-related DUI cases, potentially affecting hundreds of convictions across Illinois. An investigation by ABC7's I-Team uncovered that the lab's analyses may have produced unreliable results, leading to wrongful convictions and raising concerns about a possible cover-up.
One notable case involves Corey Lee, convicted in 2022 for aggravated DUI/cannabis resulting in death after a 2018 collision that killed two individuals. Lee's conviction was based on blood tests conducted by UIC AFTL, which reported his delta-9 THC level at 6.5 nanograms per milliliter, exceeding Illinois' legal limit for drivers. Lee maintains he was not under the influence at the time of the accident.
Defense attorney Don Ramsell, representing Lee, argues that the lab's testing methods were flawed, potentially misidentifying THC isomers such as delta-8 THC as delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound regulated under Illinois law. Ramsell asserts that the lab has been providing misleading testimony in court, leading to convictions based on inaccurate data.
The lab's accrediting agency conducted an audit, uncovering multiple nonconformities and failures to adhere to scientific standards. These findings have cast doubt on approximately 1,600 cannabis DUI cases tested by UIC AFTL.
Forensic pharmacologist Jim O'Donnell from Rush University Medical School describes the situation as a "festering scandal," emphasizing the severe consequences for individuals wrongfully convicted based on potentially flawed test results.
In response to these issues, the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC) suspended UIC AFTL's accreditation in September 2024 due to nonconformities with the RMTC's Code of Standards. This suspension has significant implications, including the diversion of samples to other laboratories and potential impacts on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
The unfolding controversy surrounding UIC AFTL's testing practices has prompted legal challenges and calls for comprehensive reviews of affected cases. The situation underscores the critical importance of accurate forensic testing in the judicial system and the far-reaching consequences when such standards are not upheld.
Reference
One notable case involves Corey Lee, convicted in 2022 for aggravated DUI/cannabis resulting in death after a 2018 collision that killed two individuals. Lee's conviction was based on blood tests conducted by UIC AFTL, which reported his delta-9 THC level at 6.5 nanograms per milliliter, exceeding Illinois' legal limit for drivers. Lee maintains he was not under the influence at the time of the accident.
Defense attorney Don Ramsell, representing Lee, argues that the lab's testing methods were flawed, potentially misidentifying THC isomers such as delta-8 THC as delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound regulated under Illinois law. Ramsell asserts that the lab has been providing misleading testimony in court, leading to convictions based on inaccurate data.
The lab's accrediting agency conducted an audit, uncovering multiple nonconformities and failures to adhere to scientific standards. These findings have cast doubt on approximately 1,600 cannabis DUI cases tested by UIC AFTL.
Forensic pharmacologist Jim O'Donnell from Rush University Medical School describes the situation as a "festering scandal," emphasizing the severe consequences for individuals wrongfully convicted based on potentially flawed test results.
In response to these issues, the Racing Medication & Testing Consortium (RMTC) suspended UIC AFTL's accreditation in September 2024 due to nonconformities with the RMTC's Code of Standards. This suspension has significant implications, including the diversion of samples to other laboratories and potential impacts on the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority's Anti-Doping and Medication Control Program.
The unfolding controversy surrounding UIC AFTL's testing practices has prompted legal challenges and calls for comprehensive reviews of affected cases. The situation underscores the critical importance of accurate forensic testing in the judicial system and the far-reaching consequences when such standards are not upheld.
Reference
