Georgia DUI attorney Simon Peed is here to help you understand your rights when dealing with Portable Breath Testing Devices (PBT). A PBT, or portable breathalyzer, is a handheld device that police officers use to measure your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) during a DUI investigation. While these devices may appear convincing, their results are often unreliable due to various factors.
How Portable Breath Testing Devices Work
PBT devices operate using a fuel cell that measures the chemical reaction of alcohol in your breath. However, their accuracy can be affected by:
- Outside air temperature
- The temperature of the device
- Timing of your last drink
- Medical conditions
- Other external variables
These factors can easily result in an incorrect BAC reading.
Legal Recognition of PBT Results in Georgia
Georgia courts generally do not accept PBT results as scientifically reliable for determining BAC. Police officers can testify only that the device indicated the presence of alcohol, not a specific BAC level. It’s important to know that you are not legally required to submit to a PBT test during a DUI stop.
What You Should Do
If you’re asked to provide a breath sample for a Portable Breath Testing Device, do not perform any tests, answer any questions, or provide a sample without first consulting with an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and request to speak to Simon Peed, Savannah DUI attorney, immediately.
Simon understands the flaws and limitations of PBT devices and can build a strong defense if your DUI charge is based on PBT results. Protect yourself and your rights by contacting Simon Peed before agreeing to any testing.
