If you’ve been pulled over for driving under the influence, contact our DUI Lawyer Mokena Illinois to help you. We have a passion for the law, the Constitution, and producing a winning result in your case. Call today for a consultation at 815-290-9170 or 708-919-5415.
When you are pulled over for drunk driving, the police officer will often ask you to take a breathalyzer test. This is a test that can determine whether your blood alcohol level is higher than the legal limit of .08 by measuring the alcohol in the breath. A police officer can use this device to determine if you are over the legal limit for driving.
Are police breathalyzer tests reliable?
A breathalyzer is a device used by police officers to determine whether you are likely to be intoxicated. The test measures the amount of alcohol in your breath and gives a score based on that amount. The higher the number, the more likely it is that you’ll be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
While most people will agree that breathalyzers are reliable machines, there’s one big caveat: test results aren’t always accurate. There are many factors that can affect how accurate your score is when taking a breathalyzer test. What kind of machine is used to how well trained its operator is can alter the results.
Sometimes the tests are not certified or calibrated properly or the equipment was flawed in some way. If there is a chance that a mistake was made in the process of administering the test, or that there was something wrong with the equipment, a DUI lawyer Mokena Illinois may be able to challenge the results.
Can I refuse the breathalyzer?
In Illinois, if you choose to drive, you give implied consent to be tested for your blood alcohol content if a police officer pulls you over. They must also have probable cause to believe you are driving under the influence. The implied consent applies to the evidentiary test that is administered at the police station. Therefore, you can refuse the preliminary breath test that would be offered as part of the field sobriety test. These are given before the arrest.
If you are arrested and taken to the police station, you cannot refuse the evidentiary test. Before administering the test, you should be advised of the consequences if you refuse the test and if you take it and fail. You should also be advised of your rights, such as the right to an attorney. Contact our DUI lawyer Mokena Illinois for zealous and passionate representation.
If you refuse to take the breathalyzer, you are facing suspension of your license. Your refusal may also be used against you in court by the prosecution. Every situation and every case is unique, so there’s not really a right answer to taking or refusing the breathalyzer test. Whichever route you choose, make sure to have The MacNeil Firm on your side.
Contact our DUI Lawyer Mokena Illinois for a consultation
You can be asked to take a breathalyzer test at any time. If you’re pulled over for suspicion of DUI, the officer will ask you for your license and registration. He or she may also ask if there are any weapons in your vehicle and if so, where they are located. After these preliminary questions, the officer will ask if he or she can administer a field sobriety test (FST).
If you fail one or more FSTs, then he or she may decide to arrest you and take you in for further testing at the station. Whether you choose or refuse to take the test, you will need an experienced attorney on your side.
If you are charged with drunk driving, you should consult with a DUI Lawyer Mokena Illinois. The attorney can help you determine what to do next and help you understand your options as well as the consequences of those options. Contact The MacNeil Firm today.
