The Dangers of DUI Breath Testing: Calibration Issues
Calibration is an important issue in DUI breath testing. Calibration is making sure a machine is properly set so that it does not produce erroneous readings. Think back to the little dial on an analog bathroom scale. Sometimes the scale gets out of whack and shows a few pounds when there is no weight on it at all so we adjust the dial to make sure it’s on zero.
Like the scale shown, DUI breath machines need to be properly calibrated.
Just like the old bathroom scale, breath machine also need to be calibrated properly. There are guidelines provided by the manufacturer detailing how to and how often breath machines need to be calibrated. (The breath machine used in Georgia is the Intoxilyzer 5000.) One of the main problems is that police themselves are responsible for maintaining their own equipment and frankly, they don’t do a good job of it.
In my time as a Fulton County prosecutor and as a DUI attorney, I have witnessed time and time again that DUI readings were affected by breath machines that were not properly calibrated. This problems is rampant all over the county. (A list of DUI breath testing scandals.)
If you are charged with a DUI in the Atlanta area, it is in your best interests to consult with a professional and qualified lawyer. At The Law Offices of Douglas B. Chanco, we are well trained in DUI breath testing issues and challenge these tests in court. Call today 1-855-9-ATL-DUI.
