Comprehensive Arizona DUI Information
DUI evidence in AZ Impaired Driving Cases
There is a myth that DUI cases are open and shut. After all, they have a blood or breath test that shows that the accused is above the legal limit of .080 in Arizona. Shouldn't this mean that there is no chance of a not guilty verdict or a dismissal? Shouldn't this mean that there is no chance that the accused is, in reality, actually innocent?
Like Santa Claus, Bigfoot and the Easter Bunny, the myth of scientific validity behind much of what passes for hard science in drunk driving cases requires a suspension of disbelief.
In this section we debunk many of the popular misconceptions surrounding DUI evidence. We will show you why a breath test print out a result that is actually twice the amount of alcohol a person has in his or her system. We will show you how a blood sample can become contaminated either during the blood draw process, while in storage, or in the labratory. We will show you why the so-called field "sobriety" tests were given a scientific stamp of approval based on studies that wouldn't pass for science in most junior college freshman chemistry labs.
If you want to believe in the government, and if you want to believe that our law enforcement would not subject citizens to tests that have a high chance of falsely incriminating them, then please do not read this section. On the other hand, if you want to learn the nasty truth about impaired driving testing, then read on.
You will find information on the following areas of DUI evidence:
- Observational evidence: This is evidence that the police officers observe that they routinely testify to in DUI cases. It includes the driving, signs and symptoms of alcohol ingestion or impairment, and everything else not covered in the categories below.
- Alcohol science: This section contains information about the realities of alcohol science as it relates to the human body. A basic understanding of alcohol science is necessary to see the problems with what passes for forensic alcohol science in Arizona Courtrooms today.
- Blood testing: As more law enforcement agencies and prosecutors offices acknowledge that breath testing is inadequate, blood testing is becomming more prevalent in Arizona DUI cases. Many officers are now certified phlebotomists and draw blood from drunk driving suspects. Blood testing is more precise than breath testing, but it is far from perfect.
- Breath testing: While a fast way to process and release suspected DUIs, breath testing is fraught with problems. This section attempts to eludicate the rathole that is breath testing in Arizona DUI cases.
- Drug testing: This section includes information on blood and urine drug screening, as well as drug recognition examinations (DRE). Remember, it is illegal to drive in Arizona with the metabolite of any drug in your system. That means that if you smoked pot two weeks ago, if you are driving in AZ you are per se DUI.
- Field testing: This is the crown jewel of junk science. Learn the myths and see the realities that the government would prefer the public never learned.