P&N BLOG | Faulty THC Testing at UIC Lab Jeopardizes Over 1,000 Cannabis DUI Cases in Illinois

More than 1,000 cannabis DUI cases across the Chicago metro area are now under scrutiny following the release of an investigative report into flawed lab testing by the University of Illinois Chicago’s Analytical Forensic Testing Laboratory (UIC AFTL). The internal investigation, conducted by law firm Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, confirms concerns that THC testing used in these cases may have been unreliable.

At the heart of the issue is the lab’s inability to distinguish between Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive compound that causes impairment, and other legally available THC isomers like Delta-8. This testing failure means that many individuals may have been wrongly charged, or even convicted, based on inaccurate or misleading blood test results.

The lab stopped conducting testing in February 2024 after concerns were raised by criminal defense attorneys and experts in forensic science. UIC later notified police departments and prosecutors statewide about possible flaws in prior test results. Despite this, the independent report stops short of declaring the results invalid, stating instead that their reliability should be evaluated on a “case-by-case basis.”

In response to the findings, DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin announced that his office has already dismissed charges in 19 affected cases, two felonies and 17 misdemeanors, because the prosecution relied on THC results now deemed unreliable. “With the validity of the test results called into question, I could not, legally, ethically, and in good conscience, continue the prosecution of these select cases,” Berlin said in a public statement.

This scandal highlights the critical importance of scientific integrity in DUI prosecutions. If you or a loved one has been charged with a marijuana DUI in Illinois based on UIC lab testing, your case may be impacted. 

If you or someone you know was wrongfully convicted of cannabis DUI due to faulty lab results, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact The Law Offices of Parente & Norem at 312.641.5926 or fill out a contact form here on our website for a free case evaluation. Your path to justice begins with us.