It’s not an open shut case for you when your breathalyzer test indicated that you were two or three times beyond the blood-alcohol concentration legal limit. The truth is, a breathalyzer test is not always right, and you may dispute the accuracy of these results.
Various instances may cause inaccurate results of your breathalyzer test, as detailed below.
The machine was faulty
As with all other machines, a breathalyzer kit may have faulty components which may deliver wrong results. For instance, the results from wrongly calibrated or poorly cleaned equipment may not be reliable as evidence of your sobriety.
You have existing medical conditions
Some medical conditions may influence the readings on your breathalyzer test. For example, acid reflux could be the reason for those high numbers registered on your test. Certain types of medications are also likely to interfere with the test results.
A wrong administration of the test
Usually, only trained personnel should administer the test, which may not have been the case. A wrongly administered test will translate to wrong results.
The instructor should guide you on your breathing pattern when taking the test in an ideal situation. Short rapid breaths or holding your breath for too long may deliver inaccurate alcohol levels.
What does this mean for you?
Remember, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were not sober at the time of driving. By disputing breathalyzer test results which your charges may be based on, the evidence against you may lose its credibility, and your case is likely not to hold.
However, you need to execute your defense with the proper knowledge of the law. Some things are not as easy as they sound, and proving the accuracy of your breathalyzer tests may not be a walk in the park.
