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WHAT IS A PRELIMINARY ALCOHOL SCREENING (PAS) TEST?

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• PAS is a mobile breathalyzer that attempts to measure your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)

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• It is often part of the Field Sobriety Test (FST)

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• It is not accurate. As such, the court and the DMV does not recognize the test. It is commonly understood that 1 out of every 4 people tested with a PAS will show a higher BAC than they actually have in their blood  

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• Also, there are other external factors that can effect the results of a PAS test, including radio transmission, smoke, products with chemicals, mints, mouthwash, cell phones, gas, nail polish, dirt, and anything alcohol based

 

HOW IS A PAS TEST ADMINISTERED DURING A DUI STOP?

 

• Police officers carry around a hand held PAS breathalyzer. It is administered by you blowing into the device until it beeps

 

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF A PAS BREATHALYZER DEVICE?

 

• Some law enforcement agencies in Southern California carry and use AlcoSensor IV manufactured by Intoximeters, Inc.  You can purchase similar types of devices for your personal use to test yourself

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WHAT IF I REFUSE TO TAKE A PAS TEST? 

 

• You may refuse to take a PAS test unless you are either 1) under probation; or 2) under 21 years of age, per Vehicle Code §23612.  However, if you refuse a PAS the chances are more likely that will be arrested for DUI and will be hauled off to the local police station, hospital, or detainment center to obtain your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).  If you refuse the BAC test, then you may be cited for Refusal Enhancement

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10 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A LAWYER FOR A DUI

 

• The complexity and harshness of modern DUI laws and penalties

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• The complexity of modern California DMV laws including Ignition Interlock Devices or IID

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• Unfortunately, but true, prosecutors are more likely to listen to an experienced DUI defense attorney than you

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• An experienced DUI attorney can assess whether you have legal defenses to the Field Sobriety Tests or FSTs

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• An experienced DUI attorney can analyze your Blood Alcohol Content or BAC

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• An experienced DUI attorney can assess whether law enforcement had probable cause to arrest you

 

• An experienced DUI attorney can assess whether you have legal defenses to the Preliminary Alcohol Screening or PAS

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• An experienced DUI attorney can provide creative and alternative options to serving jail time

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• An experienced DUI attorney can assess whether your driver's license can be saved

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• If you hire an attorney, you may not have to appear at court. This allows you to not miss work, saving you money

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