The term “breathalyzer” often comes up in conjunction with the discussion of DWI laws and regulations. These days, when the word “breathalyzer” is thrown around in New Jersey, chances are, people are really talking about the new and improved machine designed to test blood alcohol levels, the Alcotest.
Elliot Wiesner is a New Jersey attorney who is more than familiar with the ins and outs of DWI charges and blood alcohol testing. After all, he has spent more than a decade defending drivers against DWI offenses. According to Mr. Wiesner, older breathalyzers are rapidly being fazed out throughout the state in favor of the more dependable Alcotest. The new Alcotest is scientifically-designed to be far more reliable than the breathalyzers of the past, making it difficult for offenders on a whole to emerge victorious in DWI proceedings.
The Alcotest machine is a digital and more automated version of the old classic breathalyzer. The device uses an infrared sensor coupled with electrochemical cell technology to accurately measure breath alcohol concentration. While the old breathalyzer test required a fair amount of manual operation, the new Alcotest is fairly computerized, requiring far less input from the administering officer.
Although there were some questions as to the Alcotest’s reliability when it was first introduced, these days, the Alcotest is regarded in New Jersey as the most accurate and effective method of testing blood alcohol levels. In fact, according to its manufacturer, the Alcotest is the only breath tester on the market whose source code has been approved by a Supreme Court for its reliability. Another important thing to know about the Alcotest is that it is extremely easy to operate. In fact, once the device is activated, the process becomes automated, leaving little margin for human error.
So what does this mean for people who are caught driving under the influence of alcohol? Well, for one thing, it means that it is possible for attorneys to defend their clients on the basis of improper administration of the test, improper training of the officer, and improper use of the machine. Second, it means that if a person is charged with DWI, then he should be sure to seek the help of an attorney like Elliot Wiesner who is familiar with the new Alcotest machine and its specific operation and protocol.
Of course, the knowledge that driving under the influence of alcohol puts lives in danger should be enough to dissuade people from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. However, if that doesn’t convince you, then be aware that thanks to the new Alcotest machine, your chances of being convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol are now that much greater. And that’s all the more reason to think twice before getting behind the wheel at the wrong time.
