Can Court's Test for Alcohol Use Days After A Last Drink?

As a leading law firm that’s widely revered for offering counsel at a competitive DUI attorney cost, allow us at the offices of Lykins Law to explain what court tests for alcohol use entails.

As with so many things in our world today, technology and medical advances have given court’s the ability to test people for alcohol use up to 3 days or up to 36 hours after a person last drink.

While alcohol in the urine will will usually disappear within 8 to 12 hours after a person’s last use, the byproduct of the alcohol may remain up to 3 days or 36 hours later in their urine.

This is because of two metabolites know as Ethyl Glucuronide (EtG) and Ethyl Sulfate (EtS). Courts today have the ability through a urine screen test to find EtS and EtG. Courts typically use the EtG and EtS tests to verify whether a person is complying with a court order to not use alcohol.

Testing for Acohol Days Later

Critics of the tests suggest that there are potential false positives as well as the test does not calculate when and how much the person consumed. While this is true, it has not stopped courts from using the tests.

EtG and EtS testing is being used more and more frequently by courts in West Michigan. I always advise clients of these tests to avoid issues that can arise if they were to be tested. If you have been ordered to not use alcohol you must be aware of these tests and avoid drinking. If you were to fail such a test the consequences could be serious including possible jail time.

Please feel free to contact me if you wish my information on EtG and EtS testing. Jerry Lykins 616-540-0443.