Breath test or Blood test for a DUI

by Robinson Rowe 

Maryland DUI Defense Lawyers is a highly rated law firm with focused knowledge, training, and experience in DUI/DWI defense. Headquartered in Rockville, MD, with offices in Greenbelt, MD and Salisbury, MD, our attorneys litigate cases in Maryland (Montgomery County, Howard County, Prince George's County, Baltimore County and Baltimore City, Anne Arundel County, and throughout the Eastern Shore), the District of Columbia, and Virginia.

When you are arrested for a DUI and taken to the station, you will have to have your blood alcohol concentration checked and recorded so it can be used against you in court. You should know that at this point, you will have the option of taking a breath test or a blood test. This article will talk about each so you can decide which one to take if you ever find yourself in this situation. However, you should always get the advice and counsel of an experienced DUI lawyer before taking any steps as they can best guide you on ways to minimize the damage caused by an irresponsible decision. Remember, the best way to avoid being in this situation is to simply not drive after drinking.

Breath test

Breath tests are the most popular option here and the one that is commonly administered on a suspect after being brought into the station. Although, the officer arresting you may try to administer a breath test at the site of the arrest, it might be wise to refuse it as these tests are known to be very inaccurate and you are not under any legal obligation to take them. The oneĀ  at the station is more accurate but has still been known to turn up inaccurate results. Also, the time between being arrested and taking the test at the station might work to reduce your blood alcohol levels slightly, so that the figure detected may now be smaller than the one on site.

Blood test

The blood test is a more accurate and fair results and if you believe that you have been wrongly suspected and that your blood alcohol level is below the legal limit, then this might be the best option. Another advantage is that in smaller police stations, there may not be a nurse or qualified person there to draw your blood immediately and in the time that it takes for them to find someone who can draw your blood, you blood alcohol content may fall. However, if you are squeamish about needles, it might be best to avoid the blood test.

If you refuse either of these test, you will probably have your license revoked or face harsher penalties in some states. However, if you think that you are very much over the limit and do not wish to risk a very harsh sentence, you may want to use the option of not taking any of the tests.