Honolulu DUI Breath Blood Test Lawyer

Experienced DUI Breath Blood Test Attorney In Honolulu, HI

You may think that failing a breath or blood test for blood alcohol content (BAC) that leads to a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest is impossible to defend against. However, that’s not always accurate. These types of tests are complicated to administer and are often challenged in court. A Honolulu DUI breath blood test lawyer can review your case and help determine if the test you took was administered accurately.

Hire a DUI Breath Blood Test Lawyer with Experience

When you hire a DUI breath and blood test lawyer, you can benefit from your representative’s knowledge of how these tests work and where they are flawed. At The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson, our team has over 20 years of experience defending clients like you against DUI charges in Honolulu and across Oahu. We understand how to defend against failed blood and breath tests.

DUI in the United States

Instances of drunk driving can have serious consequences. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 12,429 Americans were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2023. Of those deaths, 39 happened in Hawaii.

However, reports of suspected DUI arrests where the person charged had a BAC below the legal limit have increased in recent years. As reported by Hawaii News Now in a 2024 article, almost 300 drivers were arrested with BAC’s below the legal limit in 2022 and 2023. This is why low-BAC arrests are often challenged in court. Eighty percent of cases were rejected that year, which means, with a qualified Honolulu DUI breath or blood test attorney, your chances are also good.

Breathalyzer Tests in Honolulu

An official breathalyzer test is a chemical test administered at a police station. Hawaii’s implied consent laws can result in penalties for refusal. Even though these tests are considered accurate, several potential areas could result in faulty results, including:

• The breathalyzer device. These machines have to be properly maintained, calibrated, and programmed to work properly. If the wrong chemical solutions are used or improper modifications have been made, the results could be wrong.
• The administration of the test. The person administering the test has to be properly trained, follow the approved protocols, and give suitable instructions to the person being tested. Results could also be inadmissible if officers fail to read Miranda warnings prior to giving the test.
• Test result interferences. The breathalyzer test results can also be influenced by the person taking the test; issues such as pre-existing medical conditions, residual alcohol in the mouth, certain diets, and medications can interfere with the results.

Blood Tests in Honolulu

Blood tests are used less frequently than breathalyzer tests and are often used when a breath test has been refused or when officers suspect a driver is under the influence of drugs. Implied consent laws can also result in penalties for refusing blood tests. However, blood tests can be inaccurate under some circumstances, like those listed below:

• They waited too long to administer the test.
• There was contamination of the sample.
• The sample was improperly stored or preserved.
• The sample was improperly transported.
• The blood sample was taken by an unqualified individual.
• There were gaps in the chain of custody for collecting and/or transporting the sample, or the protocol was not followed.

Contact A Top-Rated Local Law Firm

It can be overwhelming to face a DUI charge without an experienced Honolulu breath and blood test attorney to help you through the process. A failed breath or blood test does not automatically result in a DUI conviction. Let our team examine the facts of your case and help protect your interests. Contact The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson to schedule your initial consultation.