How Accurate Are Breath Tests For Drunk Driving?

If you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, law enforcement typically use breathalyzers to measure the alcohol content in your body. 
However, did you know that there are many factors that could affect the reading of a breath test? 

 

For many years now DUI defense lawyers have been fighting against the accuracy of breathalyzers.  Lawyers have discovered that body temperature, the food you eat, breath patterns, and other compounds in the breath can cause the breathalyzer to produce a false reading. 

The legal blood alcohol content limit in California is 0.08%.  But as you will see in the video below, there are other compounds besides alcohol that can cause a very high BAC (breath alcohol content) reading.  

 

A Better Way to Prevent Drunk Driving?

Could there be something wrong with DUI laws and penalties?  Currently our justice system puts DUI offenders in jail and charges them nominal fees.  Yes, some offenders have to take attend a DUI program, but what is missing in this equation? 

Consider this new DUI law that was recently passed in South Carolina…

DUI in California: Vehicular Manslaughter

It’s sad and unfortunate that many car crashes involving alcohol result in the death of another person.  Has this happened to you?

 

If you’ve killed another person while drunk driving, it’s possible that you may be charged with vehicular manslaughter.  Vehicular manslaughter is considered a crime of driving a vehicle negligently and directly causing someone’s death.  Also, you could be charged with vehicular manslaugther if someone in your vehicle dies during the time you were illegally driving drunk.  You may also face a charge of murder. 

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hiring a DUI Defense Lawyer in California

There are many DUI defense lawyers in California – which can make a decision to hire one quite the challenge.  Which one do you hire?

Here are some questions to ask yourself before you make this important decision:

Does the DUI defense lawyer specialize in drunk driving cases? The more experienced a DUI defense lawyer is, the better he/she will be at investigating your case.  An experienced DUI lawyer will be knowledgeable about current California DUI laws and procedures. 

How easy is it to get a hold of the lawyer? Are you able to call or email them and receive a response back within a reasonable time?  A lawyer who is constantly in meetings or wants you to talk to their partner or secretary may not be the lawyer for you.

Is the actual lawyer going to represent you when you go to court or will he/she send an assistant?

How comfortable do you feel when you talk to this DUI lawyer? Does he/she treat you with respect?  Make sure to hire someone who is open and honest with you. 

Do your due diligence when hiring DUI defense lawyer in California and make sure that they’re registered with the Better Business Bureau. Also, don’t hire a lawyer based on price alone.  Keep in mind that your future and driver’s license are at stake.  You want a lawyer who will represent you to the best of their ability and who really wants to help you.  You may have to pay more for an experienced lawyer, but in the end it will probably be worth it.

If you’ve been arrested for drunk driving in San Diego County, don’t hesitate to contact an professional and experienced San Diego DUI lawyer.

Penalties For Drunk Driving in California

Being charged for drunk driving in California is something that can tarnish your record for a long time.  The penalties for a DUI can be severe depending on previous offenses.  The court will look at the many factors involved and the circumstances surrounding your arrest.

When a drunk driving case goes to trial, there are a few things the court will consider including:

• The number of drunk driving arrests you’ve had in the past

• Whether or not you provided a breath or blood test

• Injuries or death to another person

• Driving drunk with a child or minor in the car

• Reckless driving or speeding

What kind of penalties can you expect?  In the state of California you are looking at: