Alabama DUI Evidence

In an Alabama driving under the influence (DUI) case, the arresting office and prosecution may collect evidence that can be used against you. Evidence may consist of the officer’s observations as well as the results of your field sobriety and chemical tests. If you are facing drunk-driving charges, you should contact an experienced Alabama DUI attorney to build a solid defense for your case.

The legal limit for drivers in Alabama is .08%. If your blood alcohol content (BAC) is over this limit, you may be arrested for drunk driving. There are three tests that can be used to determine your BAC: blood, breath, and urine. Alabama law allows DUI suspects to have independent testing performed at their own expense. This test must be conducted by a qualified expert following statutory rules in order for the results to be admissible in test.

While the breath test is the most commonly utilized, it is far from perfect. Medical and dental conditions, as well as gum, mints, and dental adhesives may affect the breath test results. Your attorney may request the logs for the breathalyzer machine that was used for your tests in order to determine if it was maintained and/or calibrated properly. If the officer who administered the test was not properly trained on the equipment, this fact can be used in your defense.

If a blood test is needed, it must be conducted by a licensed nurse, physician, or other qualified employee. Blood tests must be analyzed according to strict rules and procedures. If the sample is not properly preserved or labeled, your attorney can request to have the evidence suppressed or thrown out. In addition to testing for BAC, a blood test can be used to detect drugs in the system.

The urine test is the least commonly used in DUI cases; however, it may be used if the breathalyzer machine is unavailable and the suspect does not want to take a drug test. When collecting a urine sample, the suspect must be given as much privacy as possible while still preserving the accuracy of the test results.

Contact The Whitney B. Polson DUI Defense Office today to learn more about Alabama DUI evidence and how to fight your pending charges.