Breath Test Defense

Understanding Breath Tests in DUI Cases

When you have been pulled over and are suspected of drunk driving, you could be asked to provide a breath sample.

Misconceptions exist about what your rights are and what these types of tests are. Misunderstandings can lead to more problems, especially if you are facing DUI charges in Georgia.

At Johnson Law Firm, our DUI defense lawyer in North Georgia helps clients understand all aspects of their drunk driving case. We believe informed clients make better decisions about their DUI case. If you have questions or want to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in Georgia, call us at (706) 230-5944 to schedule a consultation.

What Are Breath Tests?

Understanding the different types of breath tests used in DUI investigations

Police officers use breath tests in roadside testing and following arrests to help determine whether an alleged drunk driver was under the influence of alcohol while operating a vehicle. These tests can be used for operators of cars and trucks as well as operators of motorcycles, boats, and other vehicles as defined by their respective state.

There are two different types of breath tests: the preliminary breath test (PBT) (also known as preliminary alcohol screenings) and the breathalyzer. Both "types" are often simply called "breath tests," and that's where the confusion comes in. By referring to both as breath tests, people assume they are the same thing, but they are not. Each is administered for different reasons and purposes.

Preliminary Breath Tests (PBT)

A preliminary breath test or alcohol screening is a breath alcohol test conducted using a portable breath machine in the field, meaning on the side of the road during a traffic stop or DUI investigation. The PBT measures a person's breath alcohol content (BrAC).

Portable breath test results are almost always inadmissible in court because they are unreliable

Administered when a police officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are unlawfully intoxicated

If you fail the PBT, that could be enough probable cause to arrest you for a drunk driving offense

A PBT result can also be used in conjunction with a failed field sobriety test as sufficient probable cause to arrest you

Breathalyzers

After an arrest for a drunk driving offense, you will have to take another test. Typically, this is a chemical test using a breathalyzer. The breathalyzer is not a portable machine and produces results that are more accurate and can be admitted into court as evidence against you.

Approved breathalyzer machines are subject to calibration requirements established by state or federal law

Before you provide a breath sample via a breathalyzer, the officer should have read the Miranda warning to you

If this warning was not provided to you prior to a breathalyzer test, your constitutional rights may have been violated

Do I Have a Right to Refuse a Breath Test in North Georgia?

Understanding your rights and the consequences of refusing breath tests

Whether you are in North Georgia or anywhere else in Georgia, you can refuse a breath test in either situation. Breath tests using portable machines in the field are typically voluntary while tests used at the police station while in police custody are not voluntary. You can, however, still refuse either one.

Keep in mind, though, that you should be ready for consequences stemming from the refusal. Immediate consequences include administrative penalties while long-term consequences are those that may result in a criminal conviction.

All states have their own variation of implied consent laws. These laws basically say that you implicitly agree to obey the rules of the road when you get a driver's license. As such, you also implicitly agree to any chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine tests) in exchange for the privilege of operating a vehicle in the state.

Consequences of Refusal

The state's agency for motor vehicles can impose an automatic license suspension and fines against you

You do not have to be charged and convicted of a drunk driving offense to have your license suspended -- you just need to refuse a breath test

In some jurisdictions, your refusal may be used against you in court as evidence that you were drunk driving

If you are convicted, your sentence could include jail time

If you refuse, the officer may request a warrant to obtain a blood sample (blood tests are much more reliable and accurate)

If you were arrested in North Georgia, you should speak to a drunk driving defense lawyer who handles both administrative and criminal DUI cases. Administratively, you can appeal an automatic license suspension if, for example, the police failed to warn you of the consequences. Criminally, you can fight DUI-related charges and be successful.

Common Problems with Breath Tests in Georgia

Understanding the reliability issues and potential problems with breath test evidence

Breath tests using portable machines are known to be unreliable, and that's why they are typically not admissible in court. Breath tests using breathalyzers at the police station, however, are admissible. They, too, can also be unreliable and become inadmissible under certain situations or circumstances.

Problems with breathalyzers can be categorized as those resulting from the testing device or machine, the individual operating the device, or the test sample.

Problems with the Breathalyzer Device

Improper calibration

Incorrect chemical solutions

Inappropriate modification

Faulty programming

Broken or otherwise not maintained properly

Issues with the Administration of the Test

Failure to read Miranda Warnings

Improper instructions or methodology

Failure to follow testing protocols

Testing performed by an untrained person

Causes of Improper Breathalyzer Test Readings

Pre-existing conditions or other medical conditions suffered by the test taker

Medications, foods, or drinks

Residual alcohol from the test taker's mouth

Certain diets, like Keto

Breath tests can be challenged. A criminal defense lawyer can file motions to suppress or exclude the results. Sometimes, if successful, this could result in dismissal of the charges or an acquittal.

Five Ways We Challenge DUI Breath Tests in North Georgia

Our comprehensive approach to challenging breath test evidence

A breath test is often a substantial part of the prosecution's case involving DUI offenses. For that reason, it is essential to ensure that a breath test was performed correctly and the results are accurate. DUI defense attorneys who have been well trained and have experience in these cases can identify a problem with a breath test and take proper action to suppress it as evidence.

At Johnson Law Firm, we can take any of the following actions, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case:

1. Attack the Reliability of the Breath Test

Many reasons exist why we may not be able to rely on the results of a breath test, like a faulty machine, improper administration, or health issues with the test taker.

2. Prove the Breath Device Was Not Properly Calibrated

Each state has its respective laws on calibration, but it usually involves a certified forensic analyst and verification of the machine's accuracy.

3. Prove Device Was Not Properly Maintained

Typically, the date and time of repairs and maintenance, as well as the nature and extent of and who performed the maintenance and repairs must be logged.

4. Prove There Was a Lack of Training or an Operator's Error

Police must be trained in order to conduct breath tests. An untrained or uncertified police officer may not properly administer the test.

5. Prove Records Were Not Properly Maintained

Records should be kept to show proper calibration and maintenance, and failure to keep those records updated can be used to prove the device was not properly calibrated or maintained as the law requires.

During the discovery phase of your criminal case, we will obtain the information and evidence we need to support arguments against the breath test's admissibility.