BAC Test Result in Washington D.C.: Successful Defense Against Marginal 0.08% Evidence

1. BAC Test Result Challenge in Washington D.C. - Background of the Case

On the evening of the incident, the defendant was involved in a minor rear-end collision at a rest area on a Washington D.C. highway.

The defendant was promptly arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) after the police officer detected signs of intoxication.

However, the BAC test, conducted approximately 52 minutes after the alleged incident, showed a result slightly above the legal limit for alcohol concentration.

This case explores how the defense team managed to cast doubt on the reliability of the BAC test results.

Challenge of BAC Test Result: Key Legal Issues

The BAC test result presented by the prosecution indicated a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08304%.

While this value exceeded the legal limit of 0.08%, it was only marginally over the threshold.

The defense argued that the test, conducted more than 50 minutes after the alleged driving, could have been influenced by various factors such as the absorption rate and the time elapsed since the accident.

The defense team contended that the BAC test esult was not a reliable indicator of the defendant's level of intoxication at the time of the incident.

Legal Defense Strategy: Questioning the BAC Test Accuracy

The defense team employed several strategies to undermine the reliability of the BAC test result.

First, they highlighted the inherent variability in BAC testing, particularly when the test is administered long after the incident.

The defense argued that the defendant’s BAC at the time of the collision might have been below the legal limit, and that the test was taken too late to accurately reflect the defendant’s condition at the time of the incident.

Additionally, the defense brought attention to potential errors in the police officer’s field sobriety test and lack of concrete evidence to prove that the defendant was indeed driving under the influence at the time of the crash.

Key Points of the Legal Argument

Time Elapsed Between the Incident and BAC Test
The delay in administering the BAC test by over 50 minutes was a key point in the defense’s argument. They pointed out that alcohol continues to absorb into the bloodstream for some time after consumption, which could have affected the BAC reading.
Reliability of the BAC Test
The defense questioned the accuracy of the BAC test, citing the standard deviation in BAC measurement and the potential margin of error in the test itself.
Absence of Other Concrete Evidence
The prosecution relied heavily on the BAC test result, but the defense highlighted the absence of other clear evidence of intoxication, such as erratic driving or admission of alcohol consumption by the defendant.

2. Result of the Case: Dismissal of Charges

The court, after reviewing the defense’s arguments and the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, ruled in favor of the defendant.

The BAC test result was deemed insufficient to convict the defendant, leading to the dismissal of the DUI charges.

The case emphasizes the importance of challenging BAC test results and questioning the reliability of evidence in DUI cases.

This case underscores the significance of having a skilled defense attorney when facing DUI charges, especially when BAC test results are involved.

The defense’s ability to challenge the accuracy of the BAC result, along with their focus on procedural errors, ultimately led to a favorable outcome for the defendant.

If you find yourself facing DUI charges in Washington D.C., it is essential to seek experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of DUI defense.

25 Nov, 2025