It’s no secret that drinking and driving is an incredibly dangerous act that can lead many to be involved in serious accidents, injuring themselves and others on the road. As such, law enforcement has tools to help determine if drivers are under the influence, and if so, hold them accountable for their actions. One of these tests is a breathalyzer. If you had to use one of these devices and have reason to believe the technology malfunctioned, understanding what your legal options are is critical. This blog explores what you must know and why you should connect with a Cobb County DUI lawyer.
How Does a Breathalyzer Work?
A breathalyzer is a piece of technology used by law enforcement officers to determine the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of a driver. This works by measuring the amount of alcohol in the breath of the driver and using conversions to determine how much alcohol is in their bloodstream. Approximately 2,100 milliliters of breath is equal to 1 milliliter of blood.
As such, when someone blows into the device, the technology will use this to determine the BAC of the user. In the United States, the legal limit for drivers is 0.08%. This means any driver at or over that limit is automatically charged with a DUI. However, if there is alcohol in your system and the officer determines it has impacted your ability to operate a vehicle, you can still face a DUI charge.
What Should I Do if I Believe the Breathalyzer Results Are Wrong?
There are many things that can impact the outcome of your breathalyzer test. For example, if you have certain medical conditions, this can heavily affect the readings. Diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), liver conditions, and certain dental issues may make it seem as though there is alcohol in your system.
Another common problem that could impact the outcome of your breathalyzer results is whether or not the officer properly administered the test. If they did not follow proper protocol or incorrectly used the device, your results may be incorrect. Similarly, if the device is broken or incorrectly calibrated, it may deliver a false reading.
If you have reason to believe any of the aforementioned factors have influenced the outcome of your breathalyzer test leading to an unfounded arrest for driving under the influence, it’s important to understand your legal options. In general, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. If you have reason to believe something was wrong with the device, they may be able to get more information, or if you have health issues, they can help discuss with doctors how this condition can impact the results.
At the Miller Law Practice, LLC, our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to assist you during these challenging matters. Connect with us today to learn how we can assist you in these matters.