Publications

• Implementation of the First Comprehensive State Oral Fluid Drug Testing Program for Roadside Screening and Laboratory Testing in DUID cases—A 5-Year Review
• The impact of fentanyl on DUIDs and traffic fatalities: Blood and oral fluid data
• Recommendations for Toxicological Investigation of Drug-Impaired Driving and Motor Vehicle Fatalities—2021 Update

Forensic Toxicology Consultant & Expert Witness

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Dr. Curt E. Harper is a nationally recognized Forensic Toxicologist with over 17 years of experience specializing in forensic toxicology, drug and alcohol impairment, DUI/D cases, and toxicological interpretation. Since 2012, he has served as the Chief Toxicologist for the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS), overseeing laboratory operations, forensic method development, quality assurance programs, and expert case reviews. Dr. Harper has testified in over 300 criminal and civil cases in Alabama and surrounding states, providing expert opinions on alcohol and drug impairment, retrograde extrapolation, forensic toxicology in postmortem cases, and other specialized areas. Dr. Harper’s scientific expertise, extensive courtroom experience, and ability to explain complex toxicology concepts make him an asset in both criminal and civil litigation. He holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology and a Master of Science in Forensic Science (MSFS) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). He is a Fellow of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (F-ABFT), demonstrating his commitment to excellence in the field. Dr. Harper also holds leadership positions in several prominent forensic and toxicology organizations. He serves as Chair of the Oral Fluid Committee (SOFT/AAFS) and is the Former Chair of the SOFT/AAFS Drugs and Driving Committee. Additionally, he is a Past President of the International Association for Chemical Testing (IACT) and a Member of the National Safety Council’s Alcohol, Drugs, and Impairment Division (NSC-ADID). As a Certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) since 2015, he is actively involved in impaired driving prevention and serves as a member of the Alabama Impaired Driving Prevention Council. Beyond his forensic work, Dr. Harper is a dedicated educator and lecturer, training law enforcement, attorneys, and forensic professionals. He serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the Department of Justice Sciences and as an Adjunct Professor at Oklahoma State University within the School of Forensic Sciences. Additionally, he is part of the faculty for the Borkenstein Alcohol Course at Indiana University and an Instructor for Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Training Programs. His courses focus on forensic toxicology, DUI/D case interpretation, oral fluid drug testing, and best practices for expert testimony in court. Dr. Harper has been instrumental in advancing forensic toxicology methodologies. He developed and implemented the first statewide DUI/D oral fluid drug testing program in the United States at the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences (ADFS). His work continues to enhance forensic capabilities, ensuring accurate and reliable toxicological analysis for legal and investigative purposes.