Breathalyzers are considered a reliable test of a person’s intoxication by state law enforcement. Connecticut uses these tests at police stations to confirm whether a driver’s blood alcohol level is over the legal limit of 0.08. A driver does not have to consent to a breath test, but this may lead to their license being suspended quicker.

If you face charges after taking a breath test, speak to a lawyer at Ruane Attorneys. These tests are not always accurate and are known to produce false positives. Our legal team could further explain DUI breathalyzers in New Britain and work to uncover any weaknesses in your case.

What is the Accuracy of Breathalyzer Tests?

A central laboratory office in Connecticut monitors the breath test machines used in New Britain and across the state. All test results are electronically sent to the main office every day.

The machine used is the Drager 9510, which has been found inaccurate in other states, such as Massachusetts. The Drager 9510 was the subject of an extensive hearing by the New Jersey Supreme Court, which found that this breath test machine has accuracy problems when dealing with women over the age of 60. However, Connecticut has not ruled on the accuracy of the breath test machine used here.

False Positives in Breath Tests

According to the user manual, breath test machines should be calibrated yearly. They are not calibrated every year in Connecticut, which can lead to false positives and inaccurately high readings for blood alcohol content. Additionally, the person’s age, gender, and lung capacity can affect their test results, as can various conditions like GERD and acid reflux. Although rare, breath test machines can also be affected by radio frequency.

Law enforcement continues to rely on inaccurate scientific measures because society deems drunk driving to be a hazard to all—and because it is cheaper. A New Britain lawyer could raise various defenses to breathalyzer results and work to show the inaccuracy of the DUI testing method.

Challenging Breathalyzer Results in New Britain

Many lawyers have the common misconception that breath test results are unchallengeable and that they definitively prove a person’s intoxication. However, the local attorneys at our firm have frequently challenged breathalyzer results in court and gotten evidence suppressed in DUI cases.

There is at least a 5% margin of error in a breath test machine, even when calibrated correctly. Just like field sobriety tests, breathalyzers can be subject to inaccuracy. There are many DUI defenses our New Britain lawyers could raise based on the defendant’s age, gender, or medical history. Those pulled over and arrested for DUI based on breath tests should consult legal counsel on their options in contesting the results.

Call a New Britain Attorney to Discuss DUI Breathalyzers

If you face DUI charges, it is important to discuss your rights and legal options with an attorney. Although breathalyzer results may seem like conclusive evidence, there are often inaccuracies in how these tests are administered or how the machines are calibrated.

At Ruane Attorneys, we have worked with cases involving DUI breathalyzers in New Britain. Contact our firm today to discuss your situation and begin building a defense tailored to the circumstances.