When you have been pulled over and are suspected of drunk driving, you could be asked to provide a breath sample. Misconceptions exist about what your rights are and what these types of tests are. Misunderstandings can lead to more problems, especially if you are facing DUI charges in South Carolina
At L. Sherril Law, our DUI defense lawyer in South Carolina helps clients understand all aspects of their drunk driving case. We believe informed clients make better decisions about their DUI case. If you have questions or want to speak to a criminal defense lawyer in South Carolina, call us at (803) 833-0008 to schedule a consultation.
What Are Breath Tests?
Police officers use breath tests following arrests to help determine whether an alleged drunk driver was under the influence of alcohol while operating a vehicle. These tests can be used for operators of cars and trucks as well as operators of motorcycles, boats, and all other motorized vehicles.
The type of breath test utilized in South Carolina is the breathalyzer.
Breathalyzers
After an arrest for a drunk driving offense, you will be asked to take the breathalyzer test. Typically, this is a chemical test using a breathalyzer. The breathalyzer is not a portable machine and produces results that are more accurate and can be admitted into court as evidence against you. Approved breathalyzer machines are subject to calibration requirements established by state or federal law.
Before you provide a breath sample via a breathalyzer, the officer should have read the Miranda warning to you. Miranda warnings advise you of your rights. If this warning was not provided to you prior to a breathalyzer test, your constitutional rights may have been violated.
Do I Have a Right to Refuse a Breath Test in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, you can refuse a breath test.
Keep in mind, though, that you should be ready for consequences stemming from the refusal. Immediate consequences include administrative penalties while long-term consequences are those that may result in a criminal conviction.
South Carolina has implied consent laws. These laws basically say that you implicitly agree to obey the rules of the road when you get a driver's license. As such, you also implicitly agree to any chemical tests (breath, blood, or urine tests) in exchange for the privilege of operating a vehicle in the state. If you refuse, the state's agency for motor vehicles can impose an automatic license suspension and fines against you. You do not have to be charged and convicted of a drunk driving offense to have your license suspended -- you just need to refuse a breath test.
What's more, in South Carolina, your refusal may be used against you in court as evidence that you were drunk driving. If you are convicted, your sentence could include jail time.
Further, if you refuse, the officer may request a warrant to obtain a blood sample. Blood tests are much more reliable and accurate.
If you were arrested in South Carolina, you should speak to a drunk driving defense lawyer who handles both administrative and criminal DUI cases. Administratively, you can appeal an automatic license suspension if, for example, the police failed to warn you of the consequences. Criminally, you can fight DUI-related charges and be successful.
Common Problems with the Breath Tests in South Carolina
Breath tests using breathalyzers at the police station are admissible. They can also be unreliable and become inadmissible under certain situations or circumstances.
Problems with breathalyzers can be categorized as those resulting from the testing device or machine, the individual operating the device, or the test sample.
Problems with the Breathalyzer Device
- Improper calibration
- Incorrect chemical solutions
- Inappropriate modification
- Faulty programming
- Broken or otherwise not maintained properly
Issues with the Administration of the Test
- Failure to read Miranda Warnings
- Improper instructions or methodology
- Failure to follow testing protocols
- Testing performed by an untrained person
Causes of Improper Breathalyzer Test Readings
- Pre-existing conditions or other medical conditions suffered by the test taker
- Medications, foods, or drinks
- Residual alcohol from the test taker's mouth
- Certain diets, like Keto
Breath tests can be challenged. A criminal defense lawyer can file motions to suppress or exclude the results. Sometimes, if successful, this could result in dismissal of the charges or an acquittal.
Five Ways We Challenge DUI Breath Tests in South Carolina
A breath test is often a substantial part of the prosecution's case involving DUI offenses. For that reason, it is essential to ensure that a breath test was performed correctly and the results are accurate. DUI defense attorneys who have been well trained and have experience in these cases can identify a problem with a breath test and take proper action to suppress it as evidence.
At L. Sherril Law, we can take any of the following actions, depending on the specific facts and circumstances of your case:
- Attack the reliability of the breath test. Many reasons exist why we may not be able to rely on the results of a breath test, like a faulty machine, improper administration, or health issues with the test taker.
- Prove the breath device was not properly calibrated. Each state has its respective laws on calibration, but it usually involves a certified forensic analyst and verification of the machine's accuracy.
- Prove device was not properly maintained. Typically, the date and time of repairs and maintenance, as well as the nature and extent of and who performed the maintenance and repairs must be logged.
- Prove there was a lack of training or an operator's error. Police must be trained in order to conduct breath tests. An untrained or uncertified police officer may not properly administer the test.
- Prove records were not properly maintained. Records should be kept to show proper calibration and maintenance, and failure to keep those records updated can be used to prove the device was not properly calibrated or maintained as the law requires.
During the discovery phase of your criminal case, we will obtain the information and evidence we need to support arguments against the breath test's admissibility.
Contact a DUI Defense Lawyer in South Carolina Today
You can have your day in court to challenge DUI charges regardless if you took and failed a breath test or refused one. With the right DUI defense lawyer in South Carolina, you can be successful. Contact L. Sherril Law today by calling us at (803) 833-0008 or online to schedule a consultation. We will review your case and discuss your best legal options.