Virginia Preliminary Breath Test
When an officer pulls someone over for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), he or she will normally ask the driver to do two things: the first is to perform field sobriety tests, the second is to submit to a preliminary breath test.
To administer the breath test, the officer will ask the driver to blow into a breath machine by using a disposable tube that is hooked up to the hand-held device. The officer will then ask the driver to quit blowing into the device, and the machine will either provide a result on the screen or a printout of the results.
This test is generally administered at the scene of the stop.
In Virginia, you will be arrested for drunk driving if your BAC is at or above .08 percent. If your BAC is at this level, the officer can arrest you based on probable cause for suspicion of DUI.
If you have taken a breath test and failed, all is not lost. Experienced defense attorneys are skilled at attacking these tests. If there is a flaw in the machine or a problem with the way the test was administered, you still have a fighting chance at winning your case.
Michael Tillotson is a nationally-certified breath test operator. He also owns the Intoxilyzer 5000 and the Intoxilyzer S-D5. Mr. Tillotson is knowledgeable about potential equipment and administration errors that can produce a false reading.
If you are interested in more information, contact Michael C. Tillotson by filling out our convenient online form now.
