California laws regarding driving under the influence are making the potential consequences more severe, putting your freedom and finances in serious jeopardy. A solid defense can help prevent the harshest outcome, and a good starting point is examining the breathalyzer results that led to a DUI arrest.
You may be surprised to learn that breath test devices must meet strict accuracy standards. When they are not met, the results may be unreliable.
How calibration problems affect breath test accuracy
Breath test devices require regular calibration to provide accurate readings. A device that is overdue for calibration may produce inflated results. Various issues can arise when calibration is not completed on schedule, including the following:
- The device may fail to convert breath samples into a precise BAC value.
- Normal use and environmental changes can shift baseline accuracy over time.
- The result may be over 0.08% even when a person’s actual BAC is lower.
A careful review of calibration logs can reveal gaps that strengthen your defense strategy.
Why maintenance records matter in DUI cases
A breathalyzer’s maintenance records show whether the device has been inspected and repaired as required. A device that has unresolved mechanical issues may not measure alcohol levels correctly. Common issues involving poor maintenance include:
- Damaged sensors
- Software errors
- Inconsistent performance reports
A complete maintenance history helps determine whether the device was functioning properly during your test.
Since breath test results are only as reliable as the device and the process used to obtain them, you have the right to investigate their accuracy. Steady support can help determine if the breathalyzer results that lead to the arrest are accurate and were performed correctly.