TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Dozens of drunk driving cases could be headed back to court after police officers administered breath tests without valid certifications. And the problem extends well beyond Northern Michigan.

Nearly 1,000 Officers Affected Statewide

According to a report from Police1, a law enforcement news website, Michigan State Police confirmed that 948 officers statewide allowed their Intoxilyzer 9000 certifications to lapse. These certifications are what allow a breath test result to be used in court.

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According to a report from 9&10 News, in Grand Traverse County, prosecutors are reviewing approximately 41 cases, including 10 involving seven Traverse City police officers.

Officers must renew their certifications every two years. However, the state’s previous training system provided no expiration reminders, leaving officers responsible for tracking their own deadlines.

Convictions Could Be Challenged

Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Noelle Moeggenberg says defendants whose cases involved improperly administered breath tests may withdraw their guilty pleas without opposition from her office.

Cases could be dismissed or renegotiated, although prosecutors may still pursue charges using other evidence, including field sobriety tests and officers’ observations.

Michigan has since implemented a training system that sends officers reminders 90, 60 and 30 days before their certifications expire.

The discovery has prompted reviews beyond Grand Traverse County, raising questions about how many additional drunk driving cases statewide could be affected.