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25Jul 2018

What Do I Need To Know About BAC? (Blood Alcohol Concentration)

Most cases of DUI revolve around one key piece of evidence, your BAC. There are some facts you should know about this measurement so you can understand its importance.

BAC can be measured in many ways. Most people associate the breathalyzer with BAC. However, there are actually five different body samples that can be used. In addition to breath, there is hair, saliva, blood, and urine. Clearly, breath is the easiest and least invasive. Remember, though, blood can be required via a warrant.

The breathalyzer is an instrument that measures BAC by analyzing the breath. It does this by "reading" light waves that are thrown through the vapor of your breath. The amount of a certain part of the light spectrum present indicates your BAC.

Also, it is not possible to "trick" a breathalyzer. The old adage of a penny under the tongue, or eating breath mints or onions will not affect the result. If you are drunk, you will test drunk. Oh, and mouthwash can actually make it worse!

Breathalyzer results can be wrong. Either through a wrongly administered test or an uncalibrated machine. You need an experienced attorney to review the evidence against you and challenge it when appropriate. If you live in Burlington, Essex, Colchester, Winooski, Williston, Shelburne or anywhere in the State of Vermont, and have been arrested or charged with DUI or any crime, call Handy Law for aggressive and experienced legal defense.