Services
Forensic Toxicology
Forensic toxicology involves the detection, identification and interpretation of drugs, alcohol and other chemical substances in biological specimens. Toxicological evidence is frequently encountered in criminal, family and civil cases where impairment, ingestion, exposure or substance effect is relevant to the issues in dispute.
At Forensic Access, our toxicology experts provide independent, impartial evaluation and expert opinion in cases where toxicological findings may be contested, ambiguous or central to the matters before the court. Our specialists interpret laboratory results, assess analytical methods, and explain how toxicology evidence relates to case circumstances, helping legal professionals and courts to understand complex scientific evidence.
Types of Toxicology Case Instructions
Our forensic toxicology experts are instructed in a wide range of cases where toxicological evidence plays a role.
We are commonly instructed in matters involving:
Alcohol and drug impairment in driving or other offence contexts
Interpretation of blood, urine, hair, saliva or tissue toxicology results
Assessment of levels and effects of alcohol, drugs or other substances in alleged offence scenarios
Cases involving novel psychoactive substances or complex drug mixtures
Disputed analytical results or methodology in laboratory reports
Evaluation of post-mortem toxicology in death investigations
Assessment of residual or chronic exposure to substances where relevant to conduct or capacity
Family or civil cases involving substance intake, exposure or behaviour interpretation
Our experts work closely with legal professionals to ensure toxicology evidence is interpreted in its proper scientific and contextual framework, with alternative interpretations and limitations explored where appropriate.
- Toxicology Services
- Alcohol Technical Defence Support
- Expert Reports, Reviews and Defence Case Support
Toxicology Services
Our forensic toxicology experts provide independent evaluation and expert witness services across all key areas of toxicological analysis and interpretation.
Our services include:
Review and interpretation of toxicology laboratory results
Evaluation of analytical methods, validation and reporting standards
Assessment of alcohol and drug levels in blood, urine, hair and other biological matrices
Interpretation of substance effects in relation to time of ingestion, impairment and behaviour
Consideration of metabolic factors, tolerance and interaction effects
Evaluation of novel psychoactive substances and uncommon compounds
Advice on potential contamination, sample integrity issues and chain of custody
Expert witness reports, case conferences and attendance at court
Alcohol Technical Defence Support
In cases involving allegations of alcohol-related impairment or behaviour, toxicology evidence often requires careful interpretation in relation to physiology, metabolic processes and technical methodology.
Our alcohol technical defence support services include:
Analysis of alcohol evidence in biological specimens
Expert evaluation of breath, blood and other alcohol testing methods
Assessment of physiological factors affecting alcohol absorption, distribution and elimination
Interpretation of alcohol levels in relation to time of alleged offence
Evaluation of potential confounders such as medical conditions, concurrent drug use or delayed sampling
Critique of analytical and evidential assumptions in prosecution reports
These services are designed to assist legal professionals in understanding the strengths, limitations and implications of alcohol evidence in the context of the issues in dispute.
Expert Reports, Reviews and Defence Case Support
Forensic Access prepares independent expert reports and case reviews for use in forensic investigations and legal proceedings.
Our toxicology experts are instructed to review and critically assess toxicological evidence obtained by the prosecution, including alcohol and drug analysis, evaluate analytical approaches and conclusions, and advise on evidential strengths, weaknesses and alternative interpretations at all stages of a case.
Each instruction is managed by our dedicated casework team, who work closely with legal professionals to scope instructions, coordinate expert input and oversee case progression. This provides structure and continuity throughout the instruction process.
Our work includes the preparation of expert witness reports, participation in case conferences and joint expert discussions, and attendance at court.
How We Support Your Case
Our dedicated Casework Managers are a valuable resource for legal professionals, providing a single point of contact to manage all expert-related communication and administration throughout the life of a case.
Working closely with our network of independent toxicology and alcohol evidence specialists, they oversee instructions from initial enquiry through to delivery of the expert report, ensuring cases are progressed efficiently, proportionately and with appropriate awareness of court requirements.
Why work with Forensic Access
Trusted network of toxicology and alcohol evidence experts
Quality checks to ensure reports address the instruction
Quotes obtained from independent experts in line with LAA requirements
Dedicated casework management from instruction to court
Maintain high standards of quality across every instruction
Do you need forensic toxicology or alcohol evidence input for your case?
Whether you are reviewing toxicology analysis, interpreting complex findings, or seeking independent expert opinion, we are here to help.
What Our Customers Say
“Thank you for your work in relation to the joint report, the whole team is very grateful. Thank you so much for your help and please pass on our thanks to your firearms expert.”
"I am consistently impressed by the quality of expert reports I receive through Forensic Access. Whether in toxicology, psychiatric reports or traffic reconstruction, the level of experience of the experts is consistently strong. We can be confident in their ability to give evidence in court if / when required."
"Forensic Access provided an excellent service with regards to our enquiry, which was impressive and very appreciated. The casework manager for our case was very professional and courteous."
"I have used Forensic Access for many years, instructing a wide range of experts. Every person I have dealt with has been helpful, friendly, and kind. I am impressed by the quality of the experts."
"The Forensic Access experts we have instructed have been extremely knowledgeable, informative, easy to work with and able to explain complex topics in straightforward language that the court and juries are able to understand. We have no hesitation in using the same experts for future cases."
"I consistently receive helpful same day responses, which is invaluable because it allows me to know exactly where I stand. The fact that they usually have multiple experts available, allowing me to obtain two quotes for legal aid applications, is also extremely helpful."
Get in touch
Let's talk
**Please note that we can only take instruction via a Barrister or Solicitor, we do not take instruction directly from private individuals.
We are always interested in talking to experienced forensic scientists with a minimum of 5 years of forensic science work who are interested in working as Consultants to undertake ad-hoc work for us.
Call us
01235 774870
Email us
science@forensic-access.co.uk