DUI Tests Performed

Field Sobriety, Breath & Blood Tests

One of the most crucial pieces of evidence used in cases of drunk driving cases is that of the driver’s blood alcohol level (BAL). This is often gathered by the law enforcement during the arrest process and is used to help determine whether or not the driver was impaired by alcohol. In the state of Florida, a driver can be arrested if they are found to be driving with a BAL of 0.08 percent of more.

To determine their BAL, police officers will utilize certain tests, such as blood, breath, and field sobriety tests. We explain some of these below:

Field Sobriety Tests: One common form of DUI testing are field sobriety tests administered at the time of arrest. There are countless types of tests, but only three “standardized” tests. These include the walk and turn (WAT), one-leg stand (OLS), and horizontal gaze nystagmus (HGN). All of these are administered to test the driver’s ability to listen to directions, their normal faculties, and more.
Breath Test: Another common form of DUI testing is the breath test, which can be administered roadside or back at the police station. This test is completed with the help of a machine (ex: Intoxilyzer 8000). All the driver does is blows into the machine, which then measures the concentration of alcohol within the driver’s lungs to determine the amount of alcohol that is in their blood.
Blood Testing: One of the most scientific forms of DUI testing is testing of the actual blood. This is always done at either a hospital or police station by a certified individual who draws a blood sample and sends it off to the lab for testing. While it seems the most foolproof, there are still ways in which the resulting evidence may be faulty—for example, if the sample was not properly stored.

Get the Help of Aggressive DUI Attorneys

There are many ways in which these tests can be inaccurate or falsely administered by the police. They are held to high standards of evidence gathering, and quite often these standards are not upheld, either out of the emotion during the arrest, improper training, or some other factor. When this occurs, it means the prosecution's case is vulnerable, and there may be hope for a dropped DUI charge altogether.

At Thomas & Paulk, our Tampa DUI lawyers know that no evidence is completely infallible in a DUI case and there is a long distance between an arrest and a conviction. For this reason, if you have been accused of drinking and driving, you should not hesitate to contact our firm as soon as possible.

We know the ways in which these forms of evidence can be challenged, and we know how to protect your legal rights. Call us today at (813) 321-7323.

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DUI Defense in Florida

At Thomas & Paulk, one of our primary focuses is on the defense of DUI charges. In fact, we are recognized throughout the Tampa area as one of the premier DUI defense law firms. Our team is well-versed in this area of the law and has a wide-expanse of experience in helping our clients fight against such charges.

It doesn’t matter if this is your first offense or your third, you can count on our firm to protect your legal rights. Often, our defense starts with recounting with you how the police officer came to stop you in the first place and how he or she came to believe you may be under the influence of alcohol. If the stop was illegal, or the tests were improperly administered, we may be able to argue for the dismissal of that evidence in court, helping your chances of a dropped charge.

If you would like to learn more about how our team can help, contact us today.

If you're arrested for DUI, you only have 10 days to schedule a DMV hearing where you can fight to save your license.
A blood alcohol reading of 0.15% or more can warrant an aggravated DUI charge with harsher penalties.
Each year, Hillsborough County issues around 4,000 DUI citations. Out of these, more than 3,000 are found guilty.
Per Florida's zero-tolerance policy, anyone under the age of 21 who tests positive for any measurable blood alcohol can be charged with DUI.

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