Behind the Breath: How Breathalyzers Really Work in Georgia DUI Cases
If you’re pulled over in Georgia on suspicion of DUI, chances are the officer will ask you to take a breathalyzer test. These devices are widely used by law enforcement to estimate a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but many people don’t fully understand how they work, or how reliable they really are. At The Spizman Firm in Atlanta, we believe that knowing how breathalyzers function is key to understanding your rights and options when facing DUI charges.
What Is a Breathalyzer?
A breathalyzer is a device that measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath to estimate their BAC. Georgia law prohibits driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, and a breathalyzer reading at or above this level can be used as evidence to support a DUI charge.
There are two main types of breath tests used in Georgia:
- Preliminary Breath Test (PBT): A handheld device used at the roadside to help establish probable cause for arrest. The results of this test are not admissible in court.
- Evidentiary Breath Test: Conducted after arrest using a larger, more sophisticated machine, typically the Intoxilyzer 9000, the state-approved device in Georgia. This test result can be used in court as evidence.
How Do Breathalyzers Measure Alcohol?
When you consume alcohol, it enters your bloodstream and eventually travels to your lungs. As you breathe, some of the alcohol evaporates into the air sacs (alveoli) of your lungs. A breathalyzer measures the concentration of alcohol in this exhaled breath.
The device then uses a scientific ratio (2100:1) to estimate how much alcohol is in your blood. That is, it assumes that 2100 milliliters of breath contain the same amount of alcohol as 1 milliliter of blood. This ratio is a general standard, but it can vary from person to person, leading to potentially inaccurate readings.
What Can Affect the Accuracy of a Breathalyzer?
While breathalyzers are considered a standard tool in DUI enforcement, several factors can affect their accuracy:
- Calibration and Maintenance: The device must be regularly calibrated and maintained. A poorly maintained machine can produce false results.
- Operator Error: The officer must follow strict procedures when administering the test. Failing to observe the driver before the test or improper usage can affect the outcome.
- Mouth Alcohol: Residual alcohol from recent drinking, mouthwash, or even certain medical conditions can lead to falsely elevated readings.
- Physiological Factors: Body temperature, breathing pattern, and medical conditions such as GERD or diabetes can interfere with the test’s accuracy.
What to Do If You’ve Taken a Breathalyzer
If you’ve submitted to a breathalyzer test and are facing DUI charges, don’t assume the result is the final word. Our skilled Atlanta DUI Defense Attorneys can investigate whether the test was administered properly, whether the machine was functioning correctly, and whether your individual circumstances could have produced an inaccurate result.
Our Team is Here For You
At The Spizman Firm, we represent individuals across Georgia facing DUI charges involving breathalyzer results. We proudly serve Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
