Dentures Affect the Georgia Breathalyzer Test
To test for blood alcohol content (BAC), breathalyzer tests use an infrared light that is absorbed by alcohol in the mouth. The less light that passes through the chamber, the higher the BAC reading will be. This methodology can be a problem for many people with medical and dental conditions, as well as those who wear dentures. Dentures affect the Georgia Breathalyzer test by trapping alcohol in the mouth, leading to a reading higher than the actual amount of alcohol in your blood. Fortunately, a lawyer who is experienced with driving under the influence (DUI) law can help you challenge these types of results.
The legal BAC limit for drivers over 21 years of age is .08%. Unfortunately, dentures have the potential to push your reading over the legal limit, even if you aren’t actually impaired. If a driver does not remove his or her dentures before taking the breathalyzer, alcohol can remain trapped underneath. Additionally, food particles can get trapped and absorb alcohol, elevating the test reading.
A study was conducted with a subject whose BAC was .00% at the start of the test. After swishing alcohol in his mouth several times and waiting a number of minutes, his test results showed that he was over the legal limit—even though he never consumed any alcohol.
If you are facing Georgia DUI charges after testing over the legal limit, a skilled DUI defense lawyer can help. A good DUI lawyer will have undergone training courses on the breathalyzer machine as well as defense strategies. You should inform your lawyer that you wear dentures so the proper tests can be conducted. If your lawyer can prove that they elevated your test results on the Georgia breathalyzer test, there is a chance that you could win your case or your charges may be dismissed.
With penalties such as probation, a driver’s license suspension, community service, fines, and even incarceration, you need to fight your Georgia DUI charge. Speak with a lawyer today if you believe that your dentures affected the Georgia Breathalyzer test.
