Alcohol Tests And DUI Charges: How Accurate Is The Evidence?


When you're charged with driving under the influence, your prosecutor may have some testing at their hands to help prove their accusation. But tests for blood alcohol content can sometimes be misleading, and a DUI attorney might be able to prove the inaccuracies in your alcohol tests. Here are some of the common types of alcohol tests and the flaws in each one. 

Field Sobriety Tests

The field sobriety test is the easiest one to knock down in your criminal trial. The police officer who arrested you will provide behavioral evidence to support their claim that you were driving under the influence. The problem with some symptoms of drunkenness is that they can be brought on by a number of other factors. If you were using a medication that made you unexpectedly drowsy, or if you had circumstances in your personal life or an injury that affected your cognitive performance, you may not have passed the field sobriety tests. Although there are a variety of reasons to mess up your field sobriety test, some of them may fall under other scrutiny; you're not supposed to drive without proper eyewear and under the influence of certain medications, for instance. But, it may be valuable to disclose these things if it helps you avoid a DUI charge. 

Breathalyzer Tests

Breathalyzer tests also may not always be accurate. Problematic breathalyzer devices are not uncommon. Your alcohol reading can also be affected by other factors, such as a recent use of mouthwash that caused the alcohol reading to spike. 

Blood Tests

Blood tests are a little more reliable, but there is still some leeway in disputing them. Your DUI lawyer will need to investigate how the blood sample was handled. It is somewhat possible that the sample was compromised due to mishandling, such as being stored improperly or tested too long after the sample was taken. 

Urine Tests

Urine samples are not completely reliable, either. The amount of alcohol that's passed into your urine can vary from person to person, which is why it's simply a ballpark estimate and not a sure sign of intoxication. 

In conclusion, even if your prosecutor has some evidence against you for the criminal trial, there are still ways to refute the evidence or at least lessen its credibility. Having a DUI attorney is invaluable for working through the evidence and finding potential reasons to dispute it in court. 

About Me

Making The Choice To Seek Legal Advice

Many people who are experiencing a legal issue are hesitant to contact an attorney because they aren't sure if they really need legal advice from a professional. My name is Sylvia Leonard and a few years ago, I felt the same way. I considered seeking legal help but I thought maybe I could handle the situation on my own without hiring an attorney. To help me with my decision, I did a lot of research about the benefits of legal advice and I finally decided that I should consult an attorney. That was the smartest move I ever made and I'm very glad that I didn't let my uncertainties get in the way. I'm writing this blog to give information to others who are also unsure whether they need to hire an attorney. I hope that after reading my blog, it will also help you to make the right decision.

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