Police officers who pull someone over for the suspicion of drunk driving have to try to determine what’s going on with the driver. There are many things, including intoxication and medical conditions, that can lead to a person exhibiting signs of impairment.
One of the tools that the officers have to determine whether a driver is under the influence is the roadside breath test. This is known as the preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) device. These are much different from the breath tests that are admissible in court because the PAS isn’t considered accurate enough to be used as evidence in court.
Why would officers use the PAS device?
The PAS device can establish probable cause for an arrest. Once they arrest the person, they can have a more accurate test done to determine the person’s blood alcohol concentration. This can be one of the larger breath test machines, but it might also be a blood or urine test.
Calibration is one of the biggest concerns with a PAS device. These aren’t subjected to the same stringent calibration standards as the larger stationary breath test devices that produce results that are admissible in court.
Anyone who’s arrested for impaired driving should ensure they fully understand their rights. Having experienced legal guidance is beneficial to help you understand exactly what options you have for addressing these charges. Be sure you get started on your defense as soon as possible because some options might only be available for a certain amount of time. You want the necessary time to make the best decisions for your case.
