Why You Shouldn’t Trust a Breathalyzer Test Without Question
Breathalyzer tests are widely used in Texas DWI cases, but they are far from foolproof. Many people assume that if a breath test shows a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, a conviction is inevitable. In reality, breathalyzer results can be skewed by various medical conditions and external factors – sometimes leading to wrongful arrests and unfair prosecutions.
At Botsford & Roark, our Austin DWI defense lawyers know how to challenge breathalyzer evidence and protect your rights. If you’ve been charged with DWI in Texas, don’t assume the case against you is airtight. Understanding how medical conditions and external influences affect BAC results is critical, and having an experienced defense lawyer on your side can make all the difference.
Medical Conditions That Can Lead to False BAC Readings
Many people don’t realize that certain medical conditions can interfere with breathalyzer tests, leading to inaccurate BAC results. These devices are designed to measure the amount of alcohol in your breath and estimate your blood alcohol concentration. However, they don’t distinguish between alcohol from drinking and other substances that may be present due to medical conditions.
Common medical conditions that may affect BAC test results include:
- Acid reflux, GERD, and heartburn: Conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause alcohol vapors from the stomach to travel back up the esophagus and into the mouth, leading to falsely high readings.
- Diabetes: Diabetic individuals can develop ketoacidosis, a condition where the body produces ketones that contain acetone – a chemical that breathalyzers may misidentify as alcohol.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): This condition can cause symptoms that mimic intoxication, such as slurred speech and dizziness, increasing the likelihood of a wrongful arrest.
- Lung disease or asthma: People with respiratory conditions may have difficulty providing an accurate breath sample, potentially leading to inflated BAC readings. Some asthma inhalers also contain alcohol-based propellants that can interfere with test results.
- Auto-brewery syndrome: A rare condition where the body produces alcohol due to excessive fermentation in the digestive system, leading to elevated BAC levels even if the person hasn’t consumed alcohol.
If you have a medical condition that could impact your BAC test results, it’s critical to consult an experienced Austin DWI lawyer. At Botsford & Roark, we know how to challenge unreliable breathalyzer evidence and protect our clients from wrongful convictions.
External Factors That Can Affect BAC Test Results
Breathalyzer and blood tests are often treated as indisputable evidence in DWI cases, but various external factors can lead to false readings. These devices are sensitive to environmental conditions, human error, and even everyday substances that can interfere with the results.
Common External Factors That Can Lead to Inaccurate BAC Readings
- Mouth alcohol residue: If a person has recently used mouthwash, breath fresheners, cough syrup, or even certain medications containing alcohol, the breathalyzer may detect residual alcohol in the mouth rather than alcohol from deep lung air, leading to an artificially high reading.
- Improper breathalyzer calibration: Breathalyzers must be regularly calibrated to ensure accuracy. If a device is not properly maintained, it can produce incorrect BAC results. Our Austin DWI lawyers routinely investigate whether calibration records reveal maintenance lapses.
- Incorrect test administration: Officers administering a breathalyzer must follow strict protocols, including observing the suspect for at least 15 minutes before testing to ensure there is no mouth alcohol or regurgitation. If the observation period was not followed, the results may be unreliable.
- Temperature and breath volume: A person’s body temperature and the way they breathe can impact BAC test results. Hyperventilating, holding one’s breath, or shallow breathing can artificially lower or increase the BAC reading.
- Exposure to chemicals or fumes: People working in environments with paint, gasoline, cleaning chemicals, or industrial solvents may inhale vapors that can skew breathalyzer readings, even if they haven’t consumed alcohol.
When defending a DWI charge, it’s crucial to examine all potential sources of error. At Botsford & Roark, we investigate every detail to challenge questionable BAC test results and protect your rights. If you believe external factors may have played a role in your case, you need to act fast to protect your freedom.
Protecting Your Rights Against Faulty BAC Evidence
A DWI charge can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s based on a BAC test result that may not tell the full story. Whether due to medical conditions, improper test procedures, or external factors, these tests are not infallible – and challenging them could be the key to your defense.
At Botsford & Roark, we don’t just accept BAC results at face value. Our Austin DWI lawyers meticulously review every aspect of your case, from the legality of the traffic stop to the accuracy of the breathalyzer or blood test. We work with medical experts, forensic specialists, and toxicologists to challenge unreliable evidence and fight for the best possible outcome.
If you or a loved one is facing a DWI charge in Texas, don’t leave your future to chance. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation – we’re here to stand up for your rights and protect your reputation.
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