Georgia Breath Test
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Many people use the term “Breathalyzer test” to describe a breath test. However, Breathalyzer refers to the name brand of a certain breath test that used to be more common. Police departments across Georgia currently use the CMI’s Intoxilyzer 5000 series for breath testing. If you were arrested for DUI, you have seen this machine.
To perform the test, the officer will ask you to blow into the machine by using a disposable tube until asked to stop. After the test is finished, the machine will provide either a printout of the results, or show the results on the screen.
The test can be given at the scene of the traffic stop, or the driver may be taken to the detention center to be tested.
There has been some controversy surrounding the breath test machine. CMI, the company that produces the Intoxilyzer 5000, is secretive about how the machine is programmed. It works by shooting a beam of light through the driver’s breath sample. The molecules of ethyl alcohol absorb some of this light. Any light that is not absorbed by these molecules is measured by the machine. That measurement is then multiplied by 2100 and converted into the driver’s blood alcohol level.
What is the problem with this test? It is not only ethanol alcohol that absorbs this light. Ethanol alcohol, the alcohol that is found in alcoholic drinks, is one compound that belongs to the methyl group of molecules. The methyl group of molecules also absorbs the light from this machine. This is especially worrisome because there are over 100 compounds in your breath that may contain molecules from the methyl group.
If you have taken and failed a breath test in Georgia, you should talk to attorney who knows DUI defense. To find an experienced attorney, please submit your case online right now.
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