Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
When facing DUI charges in Illinois, breathalyzer results are often perceived as the most damning evidence. However, experienced DUI attorneys know that these results are not always as definitive as they seem. I will now outline the strategies lawyers use to challenge breathalyzer evidence, potentially leading to these results being excluded from court proceedings.
Examining the Breathalyzer’s Reliability
Calibration and Maintenance Issues: One of the first angles a defense attorney will explore is whether the breathalyzer was properly calibrated and maintained. Illinois law requires regular calibration and maintenance records to be kept for each device. Attorneys will request these records to ensure all procedures were followed. If lapses in maintenance or calibration can be shown, it casts doubt on the reliability of the test results.
