The Truth About Breathalyzers And Their Accuracy
When someone is pulled over in Texas on suspicion of drunk driving, the breathalyzer is often the go-to tool for law enforcement to measure blood alcohol content (BAC). While these devices are widely used, their results are not infallible.
In fact, breathalyzer accuracy has been questioned for decades due to a range of potential issues, from machine malfunctions to improper administration. If you’re facing drunk driving charges in Texas, share the specifics of your situation with a Houston DWI lawyer.
How Breathalyzers Work
Breath-testing devices have been in use since the 1930s. The earliest versions required a subject to blow into a balloon. In the 1950s, inventor Robert Borkenstein created the foundation for modern breath-testing technology.
In Texas, breathalyzers have been used for decades by law enforcement. The state has adopted several models over the years, with the Intoxilyzer 5000 and 9000 being among the most common. While breathalyzers are legally admissible in court, that doesn’t mean they are always accurate.
Breathalyzers estimate a person’s BAC by analyzing the alcohol content in their breath. When alcohol is consumed, it enters the bloodstream and eventually the lungs, where it can be detected in exhaled air. The breathalyzer converts this concentration into a BAC reading. But here’s the catch, these machines don’t actually measure BAC directly. They estimate it, and that estimation can be influenced by numerous variables.
There are several reasons breathalyzer results may be unreliable:
- Improper calibration. Devices must be regularly calibrated to maintain accuracy. If a machine hasn’t been calibrated in accordance with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) standards, its results can be skewed.
- Operator error. Police officers must be trained and certified to administer breath tests. Failing to follow protocol can lead to flawed readings.
- Medical conditions. Individuals with acid reflux, diabetes, or certain respiratory conditions may produce false positives due to the presence of other compounds in their breath.
- Mouth alcohol. Residual alcohol from recent mouthwash, cough syrup, or a belch can lead to artificially high readings.
- Environmental interference. Substances like paint fumes, acetone, and even some plastics can interfere with breathalyzer sensors, leading to inaccurate results.
If you’ve been charged with a DWI based on a breathalyzer reading, you still have legal options. An experienced defense lawyer can examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest and determine the best path forward.
Attorneys often use expert witnesses, subpoena maintenance logs, and challenge the chain of custody for breath test evidence. These efforts can result in the suppression of the breathalyzer results or even a complete dismissal of the charges.
Don’t Assume the Test is Always Right
While law enforcement treats breathalyzer results as scientific evidence, the reality is that these machines have limitations. If you’ve been accused of driving intoxicated, don’t assume that a breath test means an automatic conviction. Speak with a skilled Houston DWI lawyer who can review your case and challenge questionable evidence.
What questions do you have about the admissibility of a breath test? Breathalyzers aren’t perfect. Connect with the skilled lawyers at Ayson Law Firm to learn more about your defense options. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
