If you or a friend has ever been pulled over for a traffic violation or suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may have been asked to submit to a breathalyzer test. The breathalyzer test consists of breathing into a small plastic tube that is attached to a device that can measure the levels of alcohol in the lungs and bloodstream. This is called the "blood alcohol limit" (BAC) and it is how the authorities can tell if you have had too much to drink and may be breaking the law by driving yourself home from that party. The breathalyzer has been an invaluable tool for law enforcement for many years, however if it is determined that your BAC is above legal limits, how important is this evidence when dealing with the actual DUI court case?
Breathalyzer tests are generally the fastest and most effective way to determine if a driver has had too much to drink, so that the law enforcement officers can act quickly to arrest and get that person off the street. This prevents countless numbers of DUI related accidents and deaths every year. If a suspect refuses to submit to the breathalyzer test, they can be arrested and detained for a blood test based on suspicion of DUI, so in most cases they will agree to be tested on the spot. Then this evidence is used when it comes time for them to report to the judge in court to answer for their actions. It's very hard to argue against scientific evidence that the breathalyzer tests provide, similar to DNA evidence, there's no denying it once it is submitted to the court.
The breathalyzer saves countless lives. Sometimes even knowing they could be tested with a breathalyzer will deter drinkers from getting behind the wheel, so there's no way to tell how many lives are saved by programs like this in addition to designated driver campaigns. Breathalyzers are cost effective ways to prevent a very expensive hazard on the roads as well, costing on average only $97 per unit. That's fairly insignificant as it concerns life saving equipment and other tools that the law enforcement division has to work with. And it's much less costly than a human life by any measure.
The breathalyzer test has come up against some scrutiny when it comes to how well they accurately test for the presence of alcohol in the bloodstream. Research shows that in a very small number of cases, the breathalyzer results can show a higher BAC percent, leaving doubts as to the validity of the tests or the testing devices themselves. A false positive on a breathalyzer can result in an innocent person being convicted of a DUI when they were actually within legal limits for alcohol consumption. That opens up a can of worms when considering the personal, legal and financial costs this can cause. A false positive can occur if the breathalyzer unit is defective or tampered with, something that law enforcement agencies do their best to avoid. The benefits of the breathalyzer test far outweigh any possible negatives. The evidence provided by the breathalyzer test is considered very important evidence that is very hard to dispute therefore it is likely that the offender will place a guilty plea and they will pay the price for their lack of responsibility.
In conclusion, the breathalyzer test is a valuable and important test, with evidence that's nearly impossible to dispute in a court of law. Most of all, it saves lives.
- Related Articles
- Related Q&A




How To Check Arrest Records Free Of Charge To See A Persons Arrest History
By: James Nash | 16/11/2009Arrest records and arrest history isn't thing of the private detectives anymore. Did you know that you can check all that information free of charge? Yes you heard me, and here is how.
Immigration - Factors, Rules and Barriers
By: Sundeep | 16/11/2009Immigration means migration into place especially to a country for the purpose of permanent resident. It is a biological and modern phenomena. Immigration concept is related to development of citizenship law.
Have auto accident - don’t vacillate! Employ an auto accident lawyers!
By: Brain Stone | 16/11/2009You know car casualities can influence not just on your health and induce several harms or woundings. They may pull you as well in some additional charges. Furthermore any casuality may affect on your psychic also. Sometimes many firms, which promise you to pay funds in a occurrence of any accident which may take place with you and your auto, act not so legally. They may repay you a tiny sum of money not everything you have right to. So your first step you must realize at once after ...
Legal Research and Writing
By: Web Spiders | 16/11/2009Outsourcing legal process has gained a great importance during this global financial crisis. The LPO companies that are based in the developing countries are helping the international firms by proving them an opportunity to cut down their legal costs.
Problems with your attorney – what are they and in what way to avoid them?
By: Ned Moon | 16/11/2009There are cases when you start to treat your lawyer with distrust or feel that he isn't so able in your occasion and chances to win the process lessen, then you should act without any hold-ups. You mustn't axpect until you will receive a term and will be sent to goal. Wrong attorney's actions can impact badly on your case condition. You shouldn't be furious in the following situation just call your attorney, appoint the meeting with him and discuss once more your position and all his ...
How Can I Check Criminal Records On The Internet To View Peoples Past
By: James Nash | 16/11/2009Well you don't want to marry a thief or leave your kids to a nanny with criminal history. You can avoid all this unpleasant situations by getting a criminal report on someone, and there are few way you can do that.
What Happens If I Don’t Make My Chapter 13 Payment?
By: Bass.Franklin | 16/11/2009If you're filing for bankruptcy in Los Angeles, California and have decided that you no longer want to make payments on your Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you do have several options. Contact the law office of Borowitz & Clark, experienced bankruptcy attorneys who take your case from start to finish.
Business Litigation Attorney in West Palm Beach
By: Groshan Fabiola | 16/11/2009If you have dealt with business issues in the state of Florida, maybe it is time to look into a business litigation attorney in West Palm Beach
What is the Difference Between Mineral Make-up and Organic Makeup?
By: A. Nutt | 08/08/2009 | Women's IssuesRecent trends in the beauty industry seem to be pointing us towards either mineral or organic makeup. Therefore, it is not surprising to see that in at least one page of every beauty and skin care magazine, there is a mention of either of these two. As a woman, taking...
Having a Dinner on a Cruise Vs. In a Restaurant
By: A. Nutt | 27/07/2009 | Food & BeverageHaving dinner outside of the home used to be a rare event for families and couples. It was once a treat for special occasions such as birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day-etc. Today, because of our busy lifestyles, eating dinner out has now become a common event with people eating out...
Tips on How to Select a Fitness Gym
By: A. Nutt | 21/07/2009 | HealthJust deciding to get fit or trying to maintain a regular exercise or workout schedule can be enough of a daunting task. There are so many programs available now, from yoga to strength training, and everything possible in between, and all can be done either at home or in a...
What is the Hospital Stay For Lap Band Patients?
By: A. Nutt | 21/07/2009 | HealthWith lap band surgery becoming more and more of a standard treatment for obesity, people are starting to consider it as an alternative to failed diet and exercise plans. The procedure itself is far less risky and easier than the previously used gastric bypass surgery, which is still used in...
How to Clean Patio Doors?
By: A. Nutt | 21/07/2009 | Home ImprovementThe time has come to clean up that dingy patio door to let in the soft sunlight of bright days ahead. Maybe you are planning a family get-together and you want to spruce up the house for a party or barbeque? Or you just want to stop battling with the...
How to Enclose a Carport
By: A. Nutt | 21/07/2009 | GardeningAnyone who has an open carport has probably considered closing it in at some point. The open nature of these storage areas means that everything you store there is on display, and if it gets too windy, you`ll probably end up with debris or rain to clean out of the...
How Eggs Are Classed and Graded
By: A. Nutt | 21/07/2009 | Food & BeverageThe grading of eggs is done with a series of tests where the eggs are examined for various qualities such as size and weight. There are three grades of eggs, which are Grade A, Grade B, and Grade C, in Canada. The grades in the US differ slightly by name...
Immersion Helps to Learn English:
By: A. Nutt | 13/07/2009 | EducationImmersion programs put students into a situation where they must not only speak and understand, but must think in English. These programs are developed so that the student must speak and hear the language every day and in every social situation. The length of the programs varies but...