The Role Of Technology in DUI Detection

Our DUI attorney in Toms River explains how DUI offenses can result in severe legal consequences. The consequences can include license suspension, fines, and possible imprisonment.

Alleged DUI offenders should seek legal assistance from a competent DUI attorney in Toms River. They can facilitate the best possible strategy in defending against a DUI charge.

How Has Technology Impacted DUI Detection?

Technology has played a critical role in DUI detection efforts, with new advancements constantly emerging. Here are five technologies used in the detection and prevention of DUI:

Alcotest

An Alcotest is used to detect alcohol in a person’s breath in New Jersey. These devices require certain protocols to be met in order to produce test results claimed by the State to be reliable and accurate.

Ignition Interlock Devices

These devices are installed in a vehicle and require the driver to blow into a breath testing device before starting the car. If alcohol is detected, the ignition is disabled, preventing the vehicle from starting. This technology has been effective in reducing drunk driving recidivism.

Drug Recognition Experts

Law enforcement officers can attain credentials as drug recognition experts (DREs). The claim is that they can recognize signs of drug use in drivers. DREs use a combination of physical exams and field sobriety tests to purportedly detect the presence of drugs in a driver’s system.

Dash Cams

Many police vehicles are equipped with cameras that can capture footage of a driver’s behavior during a traffic stop. Such footage can be used as evidence in DUI cases.

Body-Worn Cameras

Many police officers are equipped with cameras that record video and audio during an encounter between police and civilian.  Recordings are often produced as evidence.

Mobile Apps

There are now several mobile apps that can help drivers determine whether they are too impaired to drive. These apps use a variety of metrics, such as a driver’s weight and the amount of alcohol consumed, to estimate a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level.

Consequences Of DUI Charges

A DUI charge can have serious consequences, both legally and personally. Here are the consequences that can result from a DUI charge:

License Suspension

DUI charges often result in a driver’s license suspension or revocation, depending on the severity of the offense.

Fines and Fees

DUI convictions entail fines and fees, including court costs.

Jail Time

A DUI conviction can result in jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and prior convictions.

Personal Consequences

A DUI charge can have personal negative consequences, such as

• Strained relationships
• Mental health issues
• Feelings of guilt, shame, and embarrassment.

While technology has been beneficial in DUI detection efforts, it is not foolproof. Alcotests and other devices can produce false positives or negatives, and mobile apps can be inaccurate. Law enforcement should use these technologies in conjunction with other detection methods, such as field sobriety tests and physical exams, which have their own margins of error.