Understanding Portable Breath Tests in Maricopa County DUI Investigations

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) investigations in Maricopa County often involve portable breath tests (PBTs). These roadside tests can be confusing, especially when used alongside more formal breath or blood tests conducted at the police station. Knowing your rights and how these tests work is critical if you’re stopped for a suspected DUI in cities like Phoenix, Mesa, or Glendale.

Let’s break down what you need to know about portable breath tests, when to comply, and why refusing them may not always be the best decision.

What Is a Portable Breath Test (PBT)?

A portable breath test is a handheld device used by police officers during a traffic stop to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Unlike the more formal breath or blood tests conducted at the station, the PBT is administered roadside and is used to establish probable cause for an arrest.

Key Facts About PBTs:

• The PBT is not as accurate as formal tests conducted at the station.
• Its results are not admissible in court.
• Officers use it primarily to decide whether to arrest you for DUI.

Should You Take the Portable Breath Test?

While you have the right to refuse a portable breath test, we do not recommend refusing these tests during a DUI stop in Arizona.

Why We Recommend Compliance

1. Avoid Escalating the Situation: Refusing the PBT could lead officers to suspect you are impaired, increasing the likelihood of arrest.
2. Build a Cooperative Defense: Showing that you complied with the officer’s request may help demonstrate your willingness to cooperate, which could be beneficial later.
3. Probable Cause Will Likely Be Established Anyway: If you refuse the PBT, officers may still rely on observations like slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or erratic driving to justify your arrest.

What Happens After the PBT?

If you take the PBT and the officer believes your BAC is above the legal limit or observes other signs of impairment, they will likely arrest you and transport you to the station for a formal test.

The Formal Breath or Blood Test at the Station

This test, conducted with a more reliable device like the Intoxilyzer, or via a blood draw, is admissible in court and carries significant weight in a DUI case.

What If You Refuse the Formal Test?
Refusing the formal breath or blood test can lead to:

• Automatic License Suspension: Arizona’s implied consent law imposes a one-year suspension of your driver’s license for refusing a chemical test.
• Use Against You in Court: Refusal to take the formal test can be presented as evidence of guilt in a DUI trial.

Our Advice: It’s generally better to comply with the formal test at the station to avoid severe penalties and challenges to your defense.

Why Portable Breath Tests Are Not Admissible in Court

The results of portable breath tests are not considered scientifically accurate enough for use in Arizona courts due to:

• Calibration Issues: Portable devices often lack regular calibration, which can lead to unreliable results.
• Environmental Factors: Roadside conditions, such as wind, temperature, or humidity, can interfere with the accuracy of the device.
• Sensitivity: These devices may detect substances other than alcohol, such as mouthwash or medications, leading to false positives.

What If You’re Arrested After a PBT?

If you are arrested following a PBT, it’s essential to know your rights and take the following steps to protect yourself:

1. Remain Calm and Comply: Do not resist the officer or argue about the arrest.
2. Request an Attorney: Once at the station, ask to speak with a lawyer before answering any questions or making statements.
3. Document the Incident: Write down everything you remember about the traffic stop and testing process as soon as possible.

What to Expect During a DUI Investigation in Maricopa County

DUI stops often begin with a traffic violation or suspicion of impaired driving. Here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Traffic Stop: Officers will observe your driving and ask for your license, registration, and proof of insurance.
2. Field Sobriety Tests (Optional): These tests assess coordination and balance. You have the right to refuse them, but refusal may increase suspicion.
3. Portable Breath Test (Optional): Officers may use this test to determine probable cause. While you can refuse it, we recommend complying.
4. Formal Testing at the Station: After an arrest, officers will conduct a breath or blood test to measure your BAC accurately.

Consequences of a DUI in Maricopa County

DUI convictions carry serious penalties, including:

• Fines: Hundreds to thousands of dollars in fines and fees.
• License Suspension: Mandatory license suspension for refusing tests or failing them.
• Jail Time: Even first-time offenders face mandatory jail sentences in Arizona.
• Increased Insurance Rates: A DUI conviction can significantly raise your car insurance premiums.

How Grand Canyon Law Group Can Help

If you’re facing DUI charges in Maricopa County, including cities like Phoenix, Mesa, or Glendale, Grand Canyon Law Group is here to provide skilled legal representation.

Why Choose Us?

• Experienced DUI Defense: Our attorneys understand Arizona’s DUI laws and have a proven track record of successfully defending clients.
• Aggressive Representation: We fight to suppress evidence obtained unlawfully and challenge the legality of traffic stops.
• Compassionate Support: We guide you through the legal process with care and dedication, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.

Contact Us Today

If you’ve been stopped for a DUI in Maricopa County, don’t face the legal system alone. Call Grand Canyon Law Group at (480) 573-6441 for a confidential consultation. Let us help you navigate your case and secure the best possible outcome.

FAQs

1. Can I refuse a portable breath test during a DUI stop?
Yes, you can legally refuse a portable breath test in Arizona. However, we recommend taking the test to avoid escalating the situation and showing cooperation with law enforcement.

2. What happens if I refuse the formal test at the station?
Refusing the formal breath or blood test can result in an automatic one-year license suspension and may be used against you in court as evidence of guilt.

3. How accurate are portable breath tests?
Portable breath tests are not as reliable as the formal tests conducted at the station. Calibration issues and environmental factors often affect their accuracy.