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Blood Alcohol Testing

When law enforcement officers suspect a person of driving drunk, they will pull the driver over for a blood alcohol content test, or BAC test. A person’s BAC can be found using machines like a Breathalyzer or Intoxilyzer, or officers can estimate BAC with field sobriety tests. The test accepted as most accurate, however, is an actual blood test.

While blood tests can be highly accurate if performed correctly, there are many mistakes associated with handling blood samples. This can skew your results and tamper with the evidence of your drunk driving case. An experienced Rhode Island DUI attorney can point out these flaws to help defend you against DUI accusations. To discuss your charges, contact experienced Rhode Island DWI lawyer Matthew Marin today at 401-287-4384.

Problems with Blood Alcohol Tests

Blood alcohol tests are among the most intrusive methods of BAC testing available. Only a trained police officer or lab worker can take a blood sample, which must be put in a vial that already contains an anticoagulant powder and a preservative. If the preservative is missing, your dying blood cells can release alcohol as a by-product, making it look like your BAC is actually higher than it is. Other problems include the following:

  • Medications can alter a person’s BAC test results
  • Blood-thinning and -clotting drugs can alter the testing procedure
  • A lack of anticoagulant can allow your blood to clot, making your BAC results higher

An experienced DUI lawyer can look at your case and blood alcohol testing to help find flaws with the results of your BAC test. This may help you have your charges reduced or even dismissed.

Contact Us

A DUI charge can turn your life upside down. Thus, it is important to only entrust your case to a determined and knowledgeable lawyer who will fight to protect your rights. To learn more about how a drunk driving lawyer can help you, contact Rhode Island DWI attorney Matthew Marin at 401-287-4384 today.