Breathalyzer Test

A Breathalyzer Test is a device used to measure the blood alcohol content (BAC)of a person’s breath, particularly when a law enforcement officer suspects that the person is driving while intoxicated (DWI). A Breathalyzer Test detects alcohol on a person’s breath by using a chemical reaction. The Breathalyzer Test itself contains several chemicals, each a different color, which change color when they come into contact with alcohol. Potassium Dichromate (K2Cr2O7), for example, is an orange-yellow compound.

Have you or someone you know been charged because you refused to take or failed a breathalyzer test? If so, contact one of our experienced DUI lawyers in your area today!

Some strategies for DUI prevention include:

Suspend license of DUI offenders
Reduce national BAC to 0.05%
Zero tolerance for offenders under the age of 21
Sobriety checkpoints
Community involvement
Mandatory treatment programs for offenders
Raising federal alcohol taxes
BA tests at all injury-inducing traffic accidents

When the yellow crystals come into contact with alcohol, the crystals change from yellow to green. The amount of color change is relative to the amount of alcohol detected on a person’s breath. The Breathalyzer Test is measured and counted in percent units of Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), which is the proportion of alcohol to blood in the body. A 160-pound man will have a BAC of approximately 0.04 percent 1 hour after consuming two 12-ounce beers or two other standard drinks on an empty stomach.

The legal BAC limit in New York is 0.05 percent for Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). Over .08 is Driving While Intoxicated. There are several types of Breathalyzer Tests and most models are available for personal purchase. If the Breathalyzer Test is administered properly, the results are admissible as evidence in court.

There are many possible defenses against the reliabililty of the machine used and the steps the arresting officer took to administer the breathalyzer test. You need a qualified DWI attorney to help you find and use these defenses to your benefit.

There is no cost or obligation for a consultation with NY DWI Attorney Estelle Roond.
For immediate assistance, call 718-596-4800. You can e-mail Estelle@dwilawyer.com,
or click here for our Free DWI Consultation Form to submit to our office.