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Originally published January 30, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified January 30, 2008 at 11:16 PM

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King County judges block breath-test evidence; hundreds of DUI cases could be affected

Hundreds of drunken-driving cases — if not more — could be affected by a panel of judges' determination that there were ethical lapses and scientific inaccuracies at the Washington State Toxicology Lab.

The Associated Press

A panel of King County District Court judges says there were so many ethical lapses and scientific inaccuracies at the Washington State Toxicology Lab that breath tests should not be admitted as evidence in drunken driving cases.

The ruling is expected to affect hundreds of cases, if not more.

The three-judge panel said problems at the lab were so systemic, and the results of breath tests so compromised, that they would not be helpful to a judge considering whether someone drove under the influence.

Previously, Snohomish County barred breath-test evidence in more than three dozen cases, while Skagit County judges have ruled that although conduct at the toxicology lab was troubling, the breath-test results can be admitted at trial.

Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company

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