While there are many situations that can impact the results of a breathalyzer, not everyone is fully aware of what problems may exist and how it can be defended after a criminal charge. One potential impact is the presence of various prescription medication that may alter the results.
Is this a valid defense, though?
If you’ve been pulled over on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, and a breathalyzer shows you’re above the legal limit despite never touching a drop of alcohol, any medication you’re taking may come into play. Here’s what you should know.
Which Medication Impacts a Breathalyzer Result?
Cough drops and cough medicines can contain alcohol. In these situations, if you consume any kind of cough medication, it can impact your results on a breathalyzer even if you’re not drunk. You could still blow above the legal limit without any kind of impairment.
Here are a few other medications that can contain alcohol:
- Certain pain relievers, including those for oral care, can have up to 70% to 90% alcohol. Imagine how that can impact the results of a breathalyzer.
- Albuterol and other inhalers can have methyl groups, which is something that can show up on a breathalyzer. This may cause an error in the blood alcohol concentration levels at the time of the DUI stop.
If you are taking certain types of medication and driving, you must be aware of how these can impact a breathalyzer result. The presence of these medications can serve to be a defense should you be arrested and charged with a DUI based on the erroneous results of a breathalyzer test.
As an experienced and committed Farmington Hills DUI attorney, I stand ready to help you understand what rights are available to you when you have been wrongfully charged with a DUI based on a problematic breathalyzer test.
With Daniel D. Hajji, Attorney at Law, you receive tenacious and aggressive defense when you need it most. I’ll be by your side from start to finish, working to help you clear your name and defend your rights at all times.