Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense, but when the driver involved holds a commercial driver’s license (CDL), the stakes are even higher. The stringent laws governing commercial drivers leave little room for error, and any DUI conviction can have a lasting impact on a driver’s career. CDL holders are often subject to higher standards due to the nature of their work and the increased risk their large vehicles pose to public safety. If a CDL holder is charged with a DUI, they may face severe penalties, including the suspension or revocation of their commercial driving privileges. One of the key pieces of evidence used in these cases is the result of breathalyzer or blood tests, which are intended to measure the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Given the high consequences, a CDL driver facing a DUI charge will likely wonder whether the results of these tests can be challenged.
350+ Reviews
5.0 Star Average
Understanding how breathalyzer and blood tests work, and knowing the potential issues that may arise, are essential when considering challenging the results in a CDL DUI case. It is not an easy task, but it is possible to question the validity of such tests. There are numerous ways in which breathalyzer or blood test results may be flawed or invalid, and CDL drivers should be aware of these potential defenses.
How Breathalyzer and Blood Tests Work in CDL DUI Cases
Before delving into potential challenges to these tests, it is important to understand how they work in the context of DUI enforcement. A breathalyzer is a device that measures the amount of alcohol in a person’s breath. The device estimates the concentration of alcohol in the blood based on the amount of alcohol detected in the breath. Law enforcement officers commonly use these devices during traffic stops to assess whether a driver is intoxicated. In the case of commercial drivers, the legal BAC limit is much lower than for non-commercial drivers. While the legal limit for most drivers is 0.08 percent, CDL holders can face penalties if their BAC is as low as 0.04 percent, even if they are not operating a commercial vehicle at the time.
Blood tests are considered to be more accurate than breathalyzer tests. A blood sample is taken and analyzed to determine the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream. Blood tests are often administered after a breathalyzer test or if the driver refuses to take a breathalyzer. However, like breathalyzer tests, blood tests are not immune to error.
Potential Issues with Breathalyzer Tests
Although breathalyzers are widely used by law enforcement, they are not always reliable. One of the primary issues that may arise with breathalyzer tests is improper calibration. Breathalyzer machines must be regularly calibrated to ensure accuracy. If the device is not properly maintained or calibrated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, the results may be inaccurate. Furthermore, human error during the administration of the test can also lead to faulty results. If the officer administering the breathalyzer fails to follow proper protocol, such as waiting the required observation period before administering the test, the results may not accurately reflect the driver’s BAC.
Another issue that may arise with breathalyzer tests is the presence of interfering substances. Certain substances, such as mouthwash, medication, or even certain foods, can affect the accuracy of breathalyzer results. For example, if a driver recently used mouthwash containing alcohol, it may register as a higher BAC reading, even though the driver is not intoxicated. Similarly, drivers who suffer from certain medical conditions, such as acid reflux or diabetes, may have higher levels of alcohol in their breath that do not accurately represent their BAC.
"John Bateman is my absolute go to peer in the legal field when it comes to questions about DUI. . . . He has an innate ability to convey to clients what really matters in their cases. As a fellow attorney, I highly recommend John to anyone in the SC or NC areas who are looking for... legal representation when facing a DUI charge." "John is an excellent DUI attorney. He has received the same field sobriety test training as all police officers in the State, and also the same training as the people who are the instructors of the police officer training courses on field sobriety tests. He is very passionate about DUI's and I recommend him often to people who are facing serious charges in the upstate area." "Very knowledgeable and thorough in his preparation and representation of his clients. He cares for each of his clients and works extremely hard to achieve results. I highly recommend this lawyer.""He has an innate ability to convey to clients what really matters in their cases."
M. Brock
"An excellent DUI attorney. He has received the same field sobriety test training as all police officers in the State"
P. Hammond
"He cares for each of his clients and works extremely hard to achieve results."
C. Grubbs
Problems with Blood Tests
Blood tests, while generally considered to be more accurate than breathalyzer tests, are not immune to problems. One of the most significant issues that may arise with blood tests is improper handling or contamination of the blood sample. The blood sample must be properly collected, stored, and transported to avoid contamination. If the sample is not handled correctly, it can become tainted, leading to inaccurate results. Additionally, the lab conducting the analysis must follow strict protocols to ensure the accuracy of the test. Any deviation from these protocols can result in unreliable test results.
The timing of the blood test is another critical factor. Alcohol levels in the bloodstream change over time as the body metabolizes the alcohol. If the blood test is administered too long after the traffic stop, the results may not accurately reflect the driver’s BAC at the time of the stop. This is particularly relevant in cases where there was a delay between the time the driver was pulled over and the time the blood sample was taken.
Legal Grounds for Challenging Breathalyzer or Blood Test Results
There are several legal grounds on which a CDL driver can challenge the results of a breathalyzer or blood test in a DUI case. One of the most common defenses is the improper administration of the test. If the breathalyzer or blood test was not administered according to the proper procedures, the results may be deemed unreliable. For example, if the officer administering the breathalyzer failed to wait the required observation period, or if the blood sample was not properly stored, the results may be excluded from evidence.
Another potential defense is the argument that the test results do not accurately reflect the driver’s BAC at the time of the traffic stop. As previously mentioned, BAC levels change over time, and if there was a significant delay between the traffic stop and the administration of the test, the results may not be accurate. This defense is particularly relevant in cases involving blood tests, as the timing of the test can have a significant impact on the results.
In some cases, CDL drivers may be able to challenge the validity of the breathalyzer or blood test results by presenting evidence of medical conditions or other factors that may have affected the accuracy of the test. For example, drivers with acid reflux or diabetes may be able to argue that their medical condition caused a false positive result on the breathalyzer. Similarly, drivers who were taking certain medications or who had recently used mouthwash or other products containing alcohol may be able to argue that these substances interfered with the accuracy of the test.
Refusing Field Sobriety Tests Choosing a DUI AttorneyRelated Videos
The Role of Law Enforcement Procedures in CDL DUI Cases
Challenging the results of a breathalyzer or blood test in a CDL DUI case also involves examining the actions of law enforcement during the traffic stop and subsequent arrest. Police officers are required to follow specific procedures when conducting a DUI investigation, and any failure to follow these procedures may provide grounds for challenging the test results. For instance, if the officer did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop the vehicle in the first place, the entire DUI case could be thrown out, including the results of any breathalyzer or blood tests. Additionally, if the officer failed to properly advise the driver of their rights, such as the right to refuse a breathalyzer test (and the potential consequences of refusal), this could be used to challenge the results of the test.
In some cases, a DUI defense attorney may be able to argue that the officer’s conduct during the traffic stop or arrest was improper or violated the driver’s constitutional rights. If the officer’s actions were found to be unlawful, the evidence gathered during the traffic stop, including the results of any breathalyzer or blood tests, may be excluded from evidence.
Navigating CDL DUI Laws and Penalties
The consequences of a CDL DUI conviction can be devastating. In addition to the fines, jail time, and other penalties associated with a standard DUI conviction, CDL drivers face the additional risk of losing their commercial driving privileges. Even a first-time DUI conviction can result in a temporary suspension of a CDL, while subsequent convictions can lead to a permanent revocation of the driver’s CDL. This can have a severe impact on the driver’s ability to earn a living, particularly if their livelihood depends on maintaining their commercial driving privileges.
It is important for CDL drivers to understand that the legal standards for DUI convictions are often stricter for commercial drivers than for non-commercial drivers. As previously mentioned, the legal BAC limit for CDL drivers is significantly lower than for other drivers, and the penalties for DUI convictions are often more severe. Additionally, CDL drivers may face additional consequences under federal regulations, such as disqualification from driving commercial vehicles for a specified period.
Given the high stakes involved in CDL DUI cases, it is essential for commercial drivers to seek legal representation as soon as possible after being charged with a DUI. An experienced DUI attorney can help CDL drivers navigate the complex legal system and develop a defense strategy tailored to their unique situation.
Challenging the results of a breathalyzer or blood test in a CDL DUI case can be a daunting task, but it is not impossible. There are various potential defenses that CDL drivers can raise, ranging from issues with the administration of the test to problems with the handling of the blood sample. By thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the traffic stop, the test, and the actions of law enforcement, CDL drivers may be able to challenge the validity of the evidence against them.
If you are a CDL driver facing a DUI charge, it is crucial to act quickly and seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who understands the complexities of CDL DUI cases. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be life-altering, and having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side can make all the difference. Contact The Bateman Law Firm today for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Your future and your livelihood may depend on it.