In a variety of legal situations, it’s not unusual for the court to order drug and alcohol testing as a part of the proceedings. Judicial drug testing is often used as a method to ensure a person is adhering to a specific legal requirement that they remain drug or alcohol-free. From child custody cases and divorce proceedings to DUI and DWI situations, there are many instances in which you may find yourself required to complete court-ordered drug testing. In the state of Washington, the results of a court-ordered drug test can have a significant impact on the overall outcome.
If you are unfamiliar with the process, you may be wondering “What kind of drug tests do courts use?" By learning a bit about the types of drug tests used by the court, as well as what to expect from each type, you can better prepare yourself for what lies ahead.
When Does the Court Require Drug Testing?
There are many different scenarios in which you may be required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as a part of your legal proceedings:
- If you are on probation or parole, your probation officer or parole officer might request regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure you are maintaining sobriety.
- If you have been previously convicted of a DWI or DUI, you may need to submit court-ordered alcohol and drug testing as a condition of your case.
- If you are dealing with a child custody case, the Washington state family court may submit a request for drug testing (for one or both parents). This request can come from a filing submitted by one of the parties involved, in which evidence of illegal drug use is presented and deemed potentially harmful to the child’s wellbeing.
- If you are involved in a divorce case, scheduled drug testing can occur if one spouse states that the other abuses drugs or alcohol.
What Kind of Drug Tests Do Washington State Courts Use?
The type of drug test used by the court depends on a variety of factors, including the specific case being handled, related regulations, history of drug and alcohol use, and the severity of any related offense. If your drug testing is part of probation or parole, the frequency of testing is also determined according to your officer’s discretion.
The most common type of drug test requested by the court is a urine test, which analyzes a urine sample for the presence of drugs. This type of test is so popular because it provides a convenient detection window, and is one of the simplest, least-invasive options. Other drug tests may use saliva, blood, or hair follicle samples for detection purposes, or some combination of more than one.
Government entities most commonly use a five-panel drug test, which is designed to detect the use of marijuana, cocaine, PCP, opiates, and amphetamines. In some situations, a seven-panel test may be used, which tests for barbiturates and benzodiazepines as well. Drug tests are highly customizable, meaning that the court may request a specific panel depending on your situation.
Fast, Reliable Drug Testing in Renton
If you’re searching for a professional lab where you can complete your court-ordered drug testing, ARCpoint Labs of Renton should be your first choice. Our certified lab can administer the proper testing to meet your legal requirements, ensuring that your results are court-admissible and satisfactory to your needs. ARCpoint Labs of Renton can help you choose the lab solution that best suits your situation, so you can complete the required testing with minimal stress and expense. Our technicians are friendly, discreet, and highly professional, so you can be confident that your testing experience will be hassle-free, providing fast, confidential results you can trust.
To learn more about ARCpoint Labs of Renton and our professional lab services, contact our team today.