Sources of Error in Chemical Testing

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Sources of Error in Chemical Testing
  |   Nov 04, 2014  |  DUI

Breath & Blood Testing Information

If you’ve been arrested for DUI and you submitted to blood or breath testing to determine your blood alcohol content, what you may be aware of are the many variables affecting the outcome of this test.  He has seen many cases where flaws were present in the blood and alcohol testing due to poorly administered tests and flawed testing equipment.  The reliability of blood and breath testing to determine a person’s BAC depends highly on whether the tests were properly administered and if the machines used by the police were functioning correctly. As your attorney he will do all he can to expose any errors involved in the test that was administered to you.

There are so many factors that must be perfectly executed in order for a breath test to be accurate.  Because Attorney Davidson has such familiarity with the types of devices used by all Arizona police officers, highway patrolmen and other law enforcement agents, he can help your case by determining if your test was administered properly.  If your testing wasn’t done appropriately or accurately, this can be an excellent defense.  Improper results could cause an innocent person to spend months in jail.  Mr. Davidson will work to expose the faults and flaws in order to ensure that your rights are protected.

Breath Testing

As an experienced Defense Lawyer, Mr. Davidson has seen firsthand the many errors that can occur during a breath test.  Sometimes the test subject has health issues that can adversely affect their breath test results including asthma, diabetes, emphysema, ketosis, bronchitis, dental issues, and heartburn.  Some common technical issues he has seen with breath tests during his time as a DUI attorney include:

  • The machine must be warmed to the correct operating temperature
  • Outside environmental causes such as air quality may cause inaccurate results
  • A deep lung sample has to be provided and proven
  • The equipment must be properly maintained, cleaned and calibrated to perform accurately
  • Mouthwash, lip ointment, and other common personal items can affect breath test results
  • Police radios have been known to cause frequency interference with testing equipment

Blood Testing

Blood testing is considered to be the most accurate form of testing for determining BAC, but there are many errors that can occur with this test as well.  Some factors that could affect the accuracy of a blood test include:

  • Contaminated or faulty medical equipment
  • Improper method used to draw the blood
  • Improper storage or transportation of the blood sample
  • If a test subject has anticoagulants present in their blood, this can result in an inflated and inaccurate BAC test result

Blood & Breath Testing: Experienced Lawyer Advice

Remember, you have the right to refuse blood or breath testing, but if you do there may be consequences such as the suspension of your driver’s license.  If you have been arrested for DUI in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Glendale, Mesa or Tempe, it is important that you request to contact a lawyer before making any decisions about taking blood or breath tests.  As your Phoenix DUI Defense Lawyer, Joshua S. Davidson will advise you as to what actions you should take regarding breath or blood testing in your particular case and will handle the results in an effective way to ensure your DUI case is resolved in the best manner possible.

If you have questions regarding a DUI blood or breath test, contact Phoenix DUI Defense Attorney Joshua S. Davidson today!

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