NJSBA Family Law Section

 View Only

Drug Test Results by Probation

  • 1.  Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-06-2014 04:02 PM
    Hello,

    I was in Court the other day and the opposing party was drug tested on the spot by Probation.  He tested positive for two drugs.  The Court did not provide a copy of the results to me or the opposing party but merely read the results into the record (i.e. positive for x and y).  Does anyone know if the Court (or Probation) is allowed to (or has the obligation) to release the actual test results to me (and the other party for that matter)?  This is not a DYFS case.

    Thanks,

    -------------------------------------------
    Rachel Cotrino Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)987-9966

    -------------------------------------------


  • 2.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-06-2014 04:25 PM
    I am guessing this case involves custody/parenting time issues, yes?

    You have the right to see ANYTHING that goes to the Judge and that bears on an issue in your client's case.

    You should pick up a phone and call chambers and the Probation staff and see what you can get.

    -------------------------------------------
    Hanan Isaacs Esq.
    Kingston NJ
    (609)683-7400

    -------------------------------------------








  • 3.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-06-2014 05:34 PM
    Absolutely.

    -------------------------------------------
    Curtis Romanowski Esq.
    Senior Attorney - Proprietor
    Brielle NJ
    (732)603-8585

    -------------------------------------------








  • 4.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-07-2014 12:17 PM
    Well, I called the Judge's chambers the day I posted this question (prior to posting actually), and it was that phone call which prompted my post. At the time, Chambers seemed unsure and told me they would get back to me. I am still waiting for their answer. I contacted the Family Division and they told me to contact Chambers.  Now I'm sending a letter to Chambers. Hopefully, that'll work.

    Thanks,

    -------------------------------------------
    Rachel Cotrino Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)987-9966

    -------------------------------------------








  • 5.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-07-2014 12:34 PM
    If things get dicey, contact the Family Division folks at the AOC for advice and direction.

    I think you've got an absolute right to that report.

    Nothing was sent to the Judge in camera, and he can't turn it into an in camera report without your right to argue why it should not be.  Moreover, both counsel have a right to know.

    Hanan

    -------------------------------------------
    Hanan Isaacs Esq.
    Kingston NJ
    (609)683-7400

    -------------------------------------------








  • 6.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-07-2014 03:54 PM
    The judge is refusing to provide me with the test results.  Apparently (according to the Judge), since I do not represent the party who was tested I am not entitled to the results.   I guess I will try the AOC.  


    Thanks,

    -------------------------------------------
    Rachel Cotrino Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)987-9966

    -------------------------------------------








  • 7.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-07-2014 04:05 PM
    Hi - this is interesting to me because I do a lot of parental defense in DCPP (DYFS) cases, and all counsel always get all drug testing results of all defendant parents.  There is no expectation of privacy where drug test results of parties is relevant to the issues in the case. 

    -------------------------------------------
    Carol A. Weil Esq.
    1405 Chews Landing Rd., Ste. 8
    Laurel Springs NJ 08021
    (856)352-0050

    -------------------------------------------








  • 8.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-07-2014 04:20 PM
    In your experience, do the test results show the levels of the intoxicant in their blood or merely state the drugs the individual tested positive to?

    I have a call into the staff attorney for the AOC.  I will keep everyone posted.

    -------------------------------------------
    Rachel Cotrino Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)987-9966

    -------------------------------------------








  • 9.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-07-2014 04:38 PM
    What's on the drug testing report depends on the entity/facility doing it.  Usually the report lists the drugs for which the person was tested and also states how much of the drug in the urine constitutes a positive reading.  If marijuana, for example, a tiny amount (exact amount depends on the testing facility) would not necessarily make the result "positive."  The test result document is pretty self explanatory in my opinion.  Also, if you want the person tested for alcohol use, you have to specifically ask for that to be part of the test.  Alcohol is usually not part of a standard drug test.  Certain other drugs must be specifically requested as well.   

    -------------------------------------------
    Carol Weil Esq.
    Laurel Springs NJ
    (856)352-0050

    -------------------------------------------








  • 10.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-10-2014 10:05 AM
    Well, after my discussion with the AOC, their advice was to file a motion...(sigh)

    Luckily for me, I already requested in my underlying application random urines and for the results to be provided to counsel.  I will renew my request, this time on the record, at the next court date and see what happens.  I will also request that if the Court is not inclined to release the results, whether it may consider issuing the results under a protective order or in camera. 

    Thanks for all your help.


    -------------------------------------------
    Rachel Cotrino Esq.
    Jackson NJ
    (732)987-9966

    -------------------------------------------








  • 11.  RE:Drug Test Results by Probation

    Posted 03-12-2014 01:13 PM
    I was going to suggest exactly what the AOC did - a quick motion compelling the release of the test.  As indicated, you have an absolute right to see anything that was relied on.  Additionally, those tests can be wrong - false negatives and false positives (the infamous "poppy seed bagel" causing a positive on opiates).  The party has the right to have his/her own test done.  And - the test isn't conclusive, it's at best an expert report, subject to argument and cross-examination.  You have the right to challenge every aspect of it (off the top of my head: supervision during test, chain of custody, training of probation in process the test and interpreting results... I'm sure there's more).

    If the motion is denied, take the issue up - I'd wager you'd win.

    -------------------------------------------
    David Perry Davis, Esq.
    112 West Franklin Avenue
    Pennington, NJ 08534
    Voice: 609-737-2222
    Fax: 609-737-3222
    ------------------------------------------