CRO and the Enzyme Test
If you’ve been charged with a crime and you’re hearing about CROs (Chemical Reagent Officers) or enzyme tests, you need to understand the basics of chemical testing and how it relates to criminal cases.
At Kesling Law Firm, we've spent over a decade providing criminal defense support to clients on the Gulf Coast of Alabama - Orange Beach, and throughout Baldwin County and the Gulf Coast, including Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Josephine, Foley, Elberta, and Summerdale.
We provide clear, approachable, and effective criminal defense support to help you understand your case and protect your rights. Here’s everything you need to know about CROs, enzyme tests, and how we can help you secure the best possible outcome.
What is CRO and the Enzyme Test?
CRO stands for Chemical Reagent Officer. These officers are typically law enforcement personnel tasked with conducting chemical testing to identify the presence of controlled substances.
CROs use the enzyme test to detect particular substances through a reaction that indicates whether a tested material contains a specific drug or compound.
The enzyme test is often utilized in drug-related offenses such as possession or trafficking. This tool lets officers quickly determine if a substance is illegal during a traffic stop or an on-site investigation. While these tests might sound definitive, things with the law are rarely black and white.
The results of an enzyme test can have significant implications for your case. However, these tests are not foolproof. False positives, incorrect procedures, and contamination could modify the results.
Why You Need Legal Help
When it comes to CROs and enzyme tests, the stakes are always high. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers are not immune to mistakes, and it’s not uncommon for errors in testing procedures or interpretation to skew results.
At Kesling Law, we thoroughly investigate every piece of evidence. If there's doubt about the test's reliability or if proper protocols weren't followed, we will bring it to light. You deserve a legal representative who protects your rights and is not afraid to challenge unfair or inaccurate evidence.
How Kesling Law Can Help You with CRO and Enzyme Testing
1. Comprehensive Review of Testing Procedures
We examine the procedures used in collecting and analyzing samples to identify any deviations from standard protocols that could invalidate the results.
2. Challenging the Accuracy of Results
Our team scrutinizes the testing equipment and methods for potential errors, so that only accurate and reliable evidence is presented in your case.
3. Expert Consultations
We work with experienced scientific consultants and medical professionals to evaluate the validity of CRO and enzyme testing results, strengthening your defense.
4. Uncovering Procedural Errors
If there are flaws in the chain of custody or improper handling of samples, we will uncover them and use these issues to counter the prosecution's claims.
5. Aggressive Defense Strategies
Kesling Law is dedicated to crafting a customized defense strategy, leveraging weaknesses in the testing and evidence to protect your rights and achieve favorable outcomes.
6. Comprehensive Evidence Review
Our team meticulously examines all evidence, including lab reports, testing procedures, and handling protocols, to identify inconsistencies or violations that could weaken the case against you.
7. Education and Transparency
At Kesling Law, we help you understand the scientific intricacies of CRO and enzyme testing so you can make informed decisions throughout your defense process.
Alabama Laws Governing CRO and Enzyme Testing
If you've been charged with drug possession or distribution in Alabama, you should understand just how serious these accusations can be. Alabama law enforces strict regulations when it comes to controlled substances.
Per the Alabama Controlled Substances Act, the classification of drugs into Schedules I through V dictates the severity of penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
Drug-related offenses involving enzyme tests largely fall under the suspicion of possession or trafficking. However, there are stringent rules governing the admissibility of chemical tests, such as enzyme testing.
For an enzyme test to be valid, law enforcement must demonstrate that the testing device was calibrated correctly, that the person conducting the test was adequately trained, and that the chain of custody for the evidence has been fully preserved from seizure to report.
Courts also consider the margin of error associated with enzyme testing methods. Any discrepancies in the process, such as improper handling of the evidence or failure to account for environmental factors that could influence test results, may lead to the evidence being deemed unreliable or inadmissible.
Criminal Defense Attorney Serving Orange Beach, Alabama
For over ten years, Kesling Law has represented clients throughout the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Orange Beach, Baldwin County, Gulf Shores, Josephine, Foley, Elberta, and Summerdale. We work tirelessly to deliver exceptional legal representation to every client. Allow us to provide dependable guidance and unwavering support for your case.
If you’re facing criminal charges involving CROs or enzyme tests or need criminal defense support, our experienced attorney at Kesling Law is here to help.