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Preliminary/Portable Breath Test (PBT)

A growing trend with police departments is the use of a portable breath test, sometimes called a preliminary breath test or PBT. The PBT is a small handheld device used to help the officer determine if the possible intoxication level of a driver is over the legal limit. This device is gaining popularity because many police officers have arrested a person suspected of drunk driving only to later find out that the driver´s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) does not exceed the State legal limit. This demonstrates the bias some police officers bring into the equation when evaluating driver behavior, conversations with the driver and field sobriety tests.

However, these portable breath tests are not admissible in court and can only be used to help establish probable cause. This is because the units are highly susceptible to error and damage in the field. Since these units are small and portable, they are often not calibrated or maintained properly.

Contact us online or call 314.621.0622 (877.621.0622 Toll Free) for a FREE consultation and learn how the law applies to your specific situation. As former police officers and a former prosecuting attorney, we know potential pitfalls in the investigative process. As criminal defense attorneys, we know how to afford you protection under the law. Our education and experience mak a difference.

The Missouri Criminal Defense Attorneys of Millikan Wright LLC focus serving the needs of the greater St. Louis Metropolitan area. On the Missouri side, our criminal lawyers defend people in St. Louis city, St. Louis county, Jefferson county, Franklin county, St. Charles county, and Lincoln county. On the Illinois side, our attorneys represent people hurt in Madison county, St. Clair county and Monroe county.