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When Breathalyzers Get It Wrong: Challenging Faulty Readings in Court

Serving Families Throughout Bend
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Fighting DUII Charges with Faulty Breathalyzer Evidence

Being charged with a DUII based on breathalyzer results can feel like a dead end, but it doesn't have to be. Breathalyzer devices, though widely used, are not perfect. Errors in readings, flawed protocols, and unreliable devices can lead to wrongful accusations. That is why Baxter Law, LLC firmly and adamantly believes everyone deserves a fair defense, and we’re here to help you challenge questionable evidence head-on.

How Breathalyzers Work

Breathalyzers are designed to measure blood alcohol content (BAC) through expelled breath. Using chemical and electrical reactions, these devices calculate an estimate of alcohol concentration in someone's system. While advanced, this process has its limitations, and even small errors can dramatically affect results.

There are different types of breathalyzers. Fuel cell models are popular for their reliability, while infrared spectroscopy devices boast enhanced precision. Yet, no machine is infallible. Calibration issues, outdated technology, and improper maintenance can compromise a device’s accuracy, making it critical to scrutinize these factors in your defense.

Factors That Skew Results

Breathalyzer results are influenced by environmental and personal variables, which can lead to misleading readings. Changes in temperature or humidity can affect the device's sensor performance. Medical conditions, such as acid reflux or hypoglycemia, can also mimic elevated BAC levels.

Products containing alcohol, like mouthwash, and even seemingly harmless activities, such as burping, can inflate results. These external factors, combined with a device’s possible flaws, mean that a false reading could unfairly place you at the center of a DUII case.

Unreliable Readings Have Lifelong Consequences

Breathalyzer inaccuracies can lead to devastating personal and legal outcomes. Wrongful DUII convictions can result in severe fines, license suspension, or imprisonment. Beyond the courtroom, these charges can ruin careers, relationships, and even mental well-being.

But a DUII accusation doesn’t have to define your future. You have the right to question evidence that puts your freedom at risk. A skilled legal team can help uncover errors and protect you from unfair penalties or unnecessary stigma.

Your Legal Rights Against Faulty Breathalyzer Evidence

You have a right to challenge breathalyzer evidence in court, starting with questioning the device's reliability and officer procedure. These challenges often expose weaknesses in DUII cases, as improper maintenance, insufficient calibration, or protocol breaches can invalidate results.

At Baxter Law, LLC, we understand Oregon's specific DUII laws and enforcement methods. With skilled legal representation, you can effectively dispute questionable evidence, build a strong case, and potentially reduce or dismiss charges.

Strategies to Fight Back

Challenging a breathalyzer-based DUII charge requires a comprehensive approach. Your attorney may analyze maintenance logs, officer certifications, or procedural inconsistencies. Eyewitness accounts and alternate testing methods, such as blood tests, can also help cast doubt on the claims against you.

Expert witnesses often play a major role in these cases, providing insight into the inner workings and inaccuracies of breathalyzer technology. Their testimonies can dismantle the prosecution's evidence by clarifying how the device might have produced faulty results.

Why Expert Testimony and Case Law Matter

Technical experts provide critical support in DUII defense cases. Their ability to explain complex data and challenge faulty evidence can significantly influence judges and juries. Paired with legal precedents, their insights form a solid foundation for defending against breathalyzer results.

Influential case law has repeatedly shown how flawed devices and improper use can distort BAC readings, leading to successful challenges in court. Knowledge of these precedents strengthens your legal position and highlights the importance of experienced attorneys.

Take Control of Your DUII Defense

Facing DUII charges doesn’t mean giving up. If flawed breathalyzer evidence is threatening your future, you need a legal team that knows how to fight back. At Baxter Law, LLC, our skilled attorneys have the local expertise and courtroom experience to protect your rights and hold law enforcement accountable.

Call us at (541) 238-9210 today to schedule a consultation. Together, we’ll build a strategy to challenge unreliable evidence and help you move forward with confidence.

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