Los Angeles DUI Lawyer

Breathalyzer and Field Sobriety Tests

To secure a conviction for DUI (driving under the influence) in Los Angeles, the prosecution must prove either or both of the following: 1) the driver had an unlawful blood alcohol concentration of .08% or greater; or 2) the driver's abilities were impaired by alcohol and/or a controlled substance. These are proven using the driver's performance on field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer or breath test. In order to provide effective DUI defense representation, your attorney needs to have a complete understanding of these tests, how they work, their faults and how to expose faulty testing to positively influence a client's case.

As a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who has been practicing criminal defense, and criminal defense alone, since 1984, I am ready to provide you with the experienced legal counsel you need to challenge field sobriety test and breathalyzer test results. Field sobriety tests are administered to determine whether a driver is "under the influence" of alcohol and/or a controlled substance. These tests gauge a driver's balance, coordination and ability to follow instructions. The standard field sobriety tests used include the walk and turn, one leg stand and horizontal gaze nystagmus (following an object with the eyes). Field sobriety tests are one of the least effective ways of proving intoxication. They are not 100% accurate, even when administered precisely by the book. Their effectiveness is lessened if the driver's performance is affected by non-alcohol related issues, such as a physical injury, nervousness, weight, age or even the shoes he or she is wearing.

A Los Angeles Attorney Can Challenge Breath and Blood Test Results

Breath and blood tests gauge the level of alcohol in a driver's system. These tests, although more accurate than field sobriety tests, have their faults. They may be administered improperly and may also be subject to false high readings based upon factors not related to the amount of alcohol that the driver has consumed. Gastroesophageal conditions, diet and even dental work can skew results.

With a complete understanding of how field sobriety tests and breathalyzer tests work, I can independently review the manner in which you were tested. I will look for and expose any procedural or evidentiary violations to challenge your Los Angeles DUI charges.

Find out more about contesting field sobriety or breathalyzer test results. Contact Los Angeles DUI attorney Robert Michael Helfend today!