Alcotest 7110 Attorney in Ocean County

Drager Alcotest 7110 MKIII-C – Ocean County DWI Attorneys

Drager Industries is located in Lübeck, Germany, where it manufactures the Drager Alcotest 7110 MK III-C. New Jersey has adopted Drager’s Alcotest 7110 as its preferred device by which to measure the blood alcohol content of suspected drunk drivers.

The Drager Alcotest 7110 MKIII-C utilizes two independent systems for measuring BAC from a driver’s breath. The first system analyzes alcohol in breath samples through a technology called infrared spectroscopy (IR). The second system analyzes alcohol in the same breath sample utilizing electrochemical cell (EC) technology. The utilization of two technologies on the same breath sample (in essence, measuring the breath sample twice) is intended to provide the highest level of forensic and legal integrity.

Essentially, this means that the machine takes in exhaled air from the suspect and then produces from this air a reading for each of its two components; which are the infrared spectroscopy reading and the electrochemical fuel cell measurement.  Each test must be administered with a separate mouthpiece and there must be a two-minute period between each test in order for the machine to recalibrate itself.  These four numbers are then placed into an algorithm that assesses their accuracy. The resulting outcome of the formula established whether or not the BAC of the driver is “over the limit”.

While often effective, the Alcotest is often criticized as a “delicate” machine, and the administering officer must adhere to slight technicalities when administering the dual tests of the Alcotest. For example, a New Jersey case called State v. Chun confirmed that in order to establish a legal and effective use of the Alcotest by New Jersey law enforcement, the officer must observe the suspect for twenty minutes prior to administering the test. This is to ensure that the suspect does not do anything that in any way may skew the results of the test. The test can be skewed by a broad array of activities including chewing gum, washing of mouth, burping, or eating.  Furthermore, radio wavelengths may affect the test readings as well. For more information on the Alcotest, visit Drager Industry’s website here.

Alcotest Certified NJ DWI Attorney

While the Alcotest 7110 is an impressive machine, it demands precise administration by the arresting officer as well as a strict adherence to proper protocol. Because of this, there is often some variable or doubt regarding the accuracy of the test.  This provides an opportunity for our lawyers to challenge the state’s claims against our clients. We take the Alcotest 7110 and its operation very seriously. In fact, attorney Will Proetta is one of just a handful of attorneys in New Jersey who is certified by Drager Industries in the correct use and maintenance of the Alcotest 7110! Therefore, if you or your loved one is facing DWI charges in New Jersey including Toms River, Ocean Township, Bricktown, Lacey, Jackson, Lakewood, and Seaside, then it is surely in your best interest to call a uniquely qualified DWI attorney who will aggressively defend your rights. For a free initial consultation, contact our conveniently located Toms River Office at (848) 238-2100.