| Driving a motor vehicle is inherently dangerous and | | | | There are three different measures that are typically |
| motorists therefore have a responsibility to conduct | | | | available to and employed by law enforcement |
| their automobiles in a manner that does not | | | | officers as they seek to definitively prove that a |
| unnecessarily threaten the safety of others on or near | | | | motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol. |
| the roadway. Getting behind the wheel after one has | | | | These are: |
| been consuming alcohol is especially risky because it | | | | - Breathalyzer/breath analysis - a suspect is asked to |
| can rob a driver of his or her physical skills and full | | | | exhale into a device that evaluates the concentration |
| mental capacity. When an individual's blood alcohol | | | | of alcohol in the expelled air and moisture |
| content (BAC) reaches the legal limit, an arrest and | | | | - Blood tests - a particularly contentious method |
| prosecution for DUI looms as a very real possibility. | | | | because of complicated issues regarding a DUI |
| BAC Tests | | | | suspect's rights, blood is drawn and tested for the |
| There are many urban legends and general | | | | presence of alcohol |
| misconceptions about BAC. The fact of the matter is | | | | - Urinalysis - a urine sample is collected from a DUI |
| that the effect of drinking on a person's BAC varies | | | | suspect and tested for alcohol concentration |
| widely and there are no strict rules that can be used | | | | Defending Your Rights |
| as guidelines. The only way to accurately assess a | | | | If you have been arrested and are awaiting trial for a |
| DUI suspect's BAC is with the use of laboratory tests | | | | DUI, it is important that you retain an attorney who is |
| or devices. Despite the course of a typical DUI stop | | | | passionately committed to protecting your freedom |
| and the claims of an arresting officer, it is difficult for | | | | and your license. Contact the Seattle DUI defense |
| the prosecution to successfully prove a DUI case in | | | | lawyers of the Cowan Kirk Gaston Law Firm. |
| the absence of a firm confirmation of an illegal BAC. | | | | |