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DUI Metrology Dictionary

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COBRA data

Internal data stored in an Intoxilyzer 5000, 5000C, 8000, or 8000C memory respecting almost every event. The software used to extract this internal data is "ADAMS", "COBRA IV" or "COBRA V".

The Crown will call this "historical data" and argue that disclosure would affect the privacy of other test subjects. The defence will call this the best evidentiary, most complete, and objective record of almost everything that happens on the machine. OIML calls it the "audit trail".

COBRA software is the Windows version of ADAMS MS-DOS software. Prior to R. v. Jackson this data was being safeguarded by the OPP, Toronto, York, and Peel Police, as well as others.

It was routinely available in Peel in a well-organized redacted electronic spreadsheet. It proved invaluable in making full answer and defence.

It was routinely available from the OPP in a well-organized redacted electronic spreadsheet. It proved invaluable in making full answer and defence.

Three types relevant to defence:

1. When making a request for COBRA data, always contrast the data kept on the machine (and extracted using COBRA software) of each air blank, cal. check, error, subject result FOR YOUR CLIENT (a lot of data) v. the data for other individuals.

2. When making a request for COBRA data, always contrast the COBRA data RESPECTING CONTROL TESTS from the prior solution change and subsequent solution change from data for other subjects.

3. Contrast the COBRA data at start of shift, prior to your client's tests, during all Esc Esc sequences from data respecting other subjects.

See these contrasts in R. v. Ocampo.

Read the R. v. Kuster: Patrick transcript to learn about the MS-DOS origin of this data and its usefulness in finding lost/discarded Intoxilyzer test records.

In the image shown (a document prepared by a defence expert), please note the low cal. checks in the context of an RFI exception message. This data does not establish that the instrument was malfunctioning. Rather it shows low cal. checks. Low cal. checks may be indicative of lack of accuracy or precision if you know their context. The RFI exception does not tell you that the instrument was malfunctioning at time of your client's subject tests. You need to know the context. Maybe the RFI was a constant problem at the detachment (e.g. police transmitter/antenna too close to the breath room). Maybe that information should prompt an FOI application. Maybe the RFI was interfering with the floating zero on the Intoxilyzer. The data shown, may be, however, a GOOD REASON FOR AN O'CONNOR order to provide contemporaneous documentation by the operator to establish the context. The data also will probably tell you who the operator was so that you can issue a subpoena or start the FOI application or ask good questions on cross-examination.

COBRA data of control tests
COBRA Blog Articles

If you are a member of the public, please don't attempt to use what you see or read at this site in Court. It is not evidence. The author is not a scientist. The author has a great deal of experience in cross-examining scientists about these issues, but the author is not a scientist. Hire a criminal lawyer in private practice in Ontario. Your lawyer can retain an expert. The author is a retired lawyer, not a lawyer in private practice. Read the statement of the purpose of this web site below.

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For more information respecting this database or to report misuse contact: Allbiss Lawdata Ltd., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, 905-273-3322. The author and the participants make no representation or warranty  whatsoever as to the authenticity and reliability of the information contained herein.  WARNING: All information contained herein is provided  for the purpose of discussion and peer review only and should not be construed as formal legal advice. The authors disclaim any and all liability resulting from reliance upon such information. You are strongly encouraged to seek professional legal advice before relying upon any of the information contained herein. Legal advice should be sought directly from a properly retained lawyer or attorney. 

WARNING: Please do not attempt to use any text, image, or video that you see on this site in Court. These comments, images, and videos are NOT EVIDENCE. The Courts will need to hear evidence from a properly qualified expert. The author is not a scientist. The author is not an expert. These pages exist to promote discussion among defence lawyers.

Intoxilyzer®  is a registered trademark of CMI, Inc. The Intoxilyzer® 5000C is an "approved instrument" in Canada.

Breathalyzer® is a registered trademark of Draeger Safety, Inc., Breathalyzer Division. The owner of the trademark is Robert F. Borkenstein and Draeger Safety, Inc. has leased the exclusive rights of use from him. The Breathalyzer® 900 and Breathalyzer® 900A were "approved instruments" in Canada.

Alcotest® is a registered trademark of Draeger Safety, Inc. The Alcotest® 7410 GLC and 6810 are each an "approved screening device" in Canada.

Datamaster®  is a registered trademark of National Patent Analytical Systems, Inc.  The BAC Datamaster® C  is an "approved instrument" in Canada.

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