Understanding the Breathalyzer Test: Tips You Need to Know

First Time Offenders: What You Need to Know

If you’ve never been pulled over or arrested before, it may be terrifying to have a law enforcement officer request that you submit to a breathalyzer test. You don’t know what to do, how to react, or what might be the consequences of your breathalyzer results. Your safest bet is to contact a lawyer immediately. By calling our team at Robert James Trial Attorney, you can rest assured you’ll be in good hands and your case will be handled swiftly and professionally.

Roadside Breathalyzer Tests and Your Rights

Knowing what to do when you are pulled over and a breathalyzer test is requested is critical to retaining your driving privileges in the state of Georgia. First-time offenders are often nervous and can sometimes get themselves into avoidable trouble if they don’t know their rights. Key points to keep in mind about roadside breathalyzer tests are:

• A breathalyzer is a mechanized test utilizing a beam of light to read your body’s blood alcohol content (BAC) through testing the absorption rate of the light through the alcohol molecules in your breath.
• You have the right to refuse a roadside breathalyzer test in the state of Georgia. This may land you a trip to the police station, but that is often better than risking a roadside breathalyzer. (Once there, you cannot refuse to take the test, as it is considered a consent violation.)
• Roadside breathalyzers are often inaccurate, resulting in over-the-limit BAC readings even if you have not had more than one drink.
• Chewing gum, using mouthwash, burping or regurgitating can alter the results of your breathalyzer, rendering it inaccurate. An inaccurate test is the same as no test at all because the validity of the results is compromised, therefore the test results may be inadmissible.

Contact a DUI Defense Attorney

If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you do not want to face your trial alone. It is imperative that you retain a Buckhead DUI defense attorney as quickly as possible after your arrest so your rights are protected. The complexity of DUI charges and the evidence of your case requires the knowledge and experience of our seasoned criminal defense lawyer, Robert James. Our team knows how important it is to build a strong defense. Let us fight for you.