Breathalyzer tests are a common tool used by law enforcement to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC) during DUI stops. While these devices are widely relied upon, their accuracy is not always guaranteed. Factors such as calibration, user error, and environmental conditions can all impact the results. If you’ve been charged with driving under the influence, challenging the accuracy of your test could be a solid defense strategy, so it’s important to understand their limitations and how they operate.
How Breathalyzers Work
Breathalyzers estimate BAC by measuring the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath. When alcohol is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and is eventually exhaled through the lungs. A breathalyzer calculates the alcohol concentration in the breath and converts it to an estimated BAC. Although the process seems straightforward, it involves assumptions and variables that can lead to inaccuracies.
If you’re dealing with DUI charges, it’s important to team up with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can review the details of your case, including the circumstances surrounding the breath test, to determine whether the results can be challenged.
Factors That Affect Breathalyzer Accuracy
Breathalyzer results can be influenced by a variety of factors. One of the most significant is proper maintenance and calibration. These devices require regular calibration to function correctly. If a breathalyzer is not calibrated according to manufacturer guidelines, its readings may be skewed.
User error is another variable here. Law enforcement officers must follow specific protocols when administering breath tests. Failing to observe a waiting period after a suspect has eaten, smoked, or used certain products can lead to inaccurate results.
Environmental factors also play a role. Substances like paint fumes, gasoline, or cleaning products can interfere with a breathalyzer’s sensors. Additionally, extreme temperatures or high humidity can affect the device’s performance.
Medical Conditions And Other Variables
Certain medical conditions can lead to false readings. For example, individuals with diabetes may have elevated acetone levels in their breath, which some devices can mistakenly interpret as alcohol. Acid reflux and the presence of alcohol-containing mouthwash can also impact results.
The devices are also designed to measure alcohol in deep lung air, but if a test captures alcohol from the mouth or throat, it can produce an artificially high reading. This is why proper administration techniques are so critical.
Are Breathalyzers Reliable Evidence in Court?
Breathalyzer results are often used as evidence in DUI cases, but they are not infallible. Attorneys like our colleagues at Stechschulte Nell can attest that challenging breathalyzer results is a common defense strategy. Inaccuracies in test administration, device maintenance, or environmental conditions can all be used to question the validity of the results.
Courts recognize that breathalyzer tests are not perfect. As a result, many jurisdictions require additional evidence, such as field sobriety tests or blood tests, to support DUI charges.
Next Steps For People Facing Charges
While breathalyzers are a useful tool for law enforcement, they are not foolproof. If you have concerns about breathalyzer accuracy or need legal guidance, be sure to find a trusted DUI defense lawyer in your area.
