Car Breathalyzers

Car Breathalyzers

The term “car breathalyzer” is often used interchangeably with ignition interlock device. However, most people reserve the term car breathalyzer for devices outside the state-mandated ignition interlocking devices. These devices can be portable, much like what police officers use. Like the ignition interlock device, you blow into the device and it detects if there is alcohol in your breath.

The car breathalyzer uses infrared spectroscopy technology. This technology is more accurate than the fuel cell technology used in ignition interlocking devices.

Why are Car Breathalyzers and Ignition Locks Used?

1) Car breathalyzers and ignition locks are used to ensure the driver does not bring a bottle into the car. By asking for random breath samples while driving, drivers who would drink inside the car are dissuaded.

2) It is a legal requirement in most states to have ignition interlocking devices in a car following a DUI (driving under the influence) or a DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction.

3) In the U.S., all states had laws permitting the imposition of ignition interlocking devices as sentencing alternatives as of 2012. The device ensures that you cannot drive if you are drunk.

4) You could install an ignition lock or use a car breathalyzer to ensure that your teenagers do not drive under the influence.

5) If you are in the habit of drinking one too many, you do not have to wait to be charged with DUI or DWI to install an ignition lock device or to use a car breathalyzer. You could be saving your life or the lives of your relatives or friends with these devices. This will also help you prevent a DUI or DWI charge that has financial penalties, jail time, and suspension of your driver’s license as penalties.

Ignition Locks

Ignition interlock devices, also called breath alcohol ignition interlock device or BAIID, are devices installed on motor vehicle dashboards and in which the driver must exhale into for the car to start.

The software in the device will analyze the breath for the breath-alcohol concentration and if this is greater than the blood alcohol concentration that is programmed (0.02% or 0.04%), the engine will not start. The BAIID will require other samples at random times after the engine has started.

Most of these devices use ethanol-specific fuel cells for sensors. The logs from the device are stored for downloading or printing out for analysis by the authorities. The sensors are calibrated at 1, 2, or 3-month intervals. If there is a violation, the authorities can impose additional sanctions.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus DUI

The DUI Eye Test

The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) is to test the ability to follow an object smoothly at different angles. Nystagmus can only be spotted by a doctor but alcohol and other stimulants increase jerking movements of the eye. Not only people under the influence of alcohol can exhibit symptoms of HGN; head trauma, neurological disorders and certain medications can show symptoms. There are many reasons for failure on this test, please speak with your local attorney to go over other reasons or mistakes in police interpretation.

The Eye Test

When the test is administered the officer is looking for jerking movement while moving the stimulus horizontally across the vision scope. Stimulus includes a finger, pen or light. The officer will ask you to stand with your feet together arms at your side. You’re going to be asked a series of “Do you understand?” after each instruction. Then the officer will do a demonstration of moving the stimulus, usually finger horizontally watching for distinct clues of impairment. Some clues are jerking of the eye at each corner of vision. Finally, the officer administers the test and watches for fluidity in eye movements. Officers have to be specially trained in many states in order for this test to hold credibility in court. It is up to the officer to administer this test correctly for HGN to be pertinent to the case.

If you are accused for DUI and have been administered this test, please consult a local area DUI defense attorney for further information. DWI and DUI traffic stop advice here.

You've Been Pulled Over for DUI, What Now?

The number one reason drivers are pulled over for suspicion of DUI is erratic driving. Many drivers who have been drinking do not realize how they are driving and are less aware of their surroundings. Once an officer has pulled you over, he will start to collect evidence to build a case against you and charge you with driving under the influence.

The biggest reason that DUI cases are tough to prosecute is that evidence is largest part of the case. If a procedure is not followed or any evidence is collected improperly it becomes inadmissible in court.

Many people are unaware that you are not require to answer any questions from a police officer or make any statements that could be used against you. Under the fifth amendment, you choose to not speak to the police until you have an attorney present.

A DUI Attorney has specialized knowledge and training to determine how evidence was collected and if all procedures were followed correctly. If just one part of a procedure is missed, that can have a big effect on the outcome of the case and even determine whether the district attorney can prosecute you and if the charges will stick.

Frisco Litigation Attorneys: Thering McCarley

In the field of law, a litigation attorney represents cases that proceed to trial. A lawyer that works on litigation cases will handle settlements and will deal exclusively with lawsuits.

The benefits of hiring a litigation attorney is that they have diverse background in various areas of the law. Due to this large knowledge of several different types of law, a litigation attorney will be able to communicate and advise their client very well in all aspects of the case.

If you are searching for a Frisco attorney, Daniel Thering, Matthew McCarley and their team of knowledgeable and professional lawyers will serve your best interests and advocate for your rights to the fullest degree.