Can You Challenge a Breathalyzer or Blood Test After a DUI in South Carolina?
Yes, and in many cases, you should.
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the breath or blood test is often the centerpiece of the state’s case against you. Police and prosecutors rely heavily on those numbers to push for a conviction. But here’s the reality: those tests are not foolproof, and they can be challenged.
At Barboza Law, we regularly review DUI cases where the breathalyzer or blood test looks solid at first glance, but falls apart once the details are examined.
Breathalyzer and Blood Tests Aren’t Automatic Proof
Breath and blood tests are meant to estimate your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). But many things can affect whether those results are reliable or even legally valid. Common issues include:
- Improper calibration or maintenance of the device
- Officer error when administering the test
- Medical conditions or medications that skew results
- Failure to follow required testing procedures
A DUI charge doesn’t become airtight just because a number shows up on a report.
Challenging a Breathalyzer Test in South Carolina
Breathalyzer tests are widely used, but they are especially vulnerable to challenge when procedures aren’t followed exactly. A DUI defense attorney may examine:
- Whether the device was properly calibrated and certified
- Whether the officer followed the required observation period
- Whether outside factors like mouth alcohol, acid reflux, or recent dental work affected the reading
- Whether the test was administered in compliance with South Carolina law
If the state can’t prove the test was reliable and lawfully conducted, the results may be excluded or weakened.
Challenging a Blood Test in a DUI Case
Blood tests are often treated as more accurate, but they come with their own problems. Blood test challenges often focus on:
- Chain of custody issues—who handled the sample and when
- Improper storage or contamination
- Laboratory testing errors
- Whether the blood draw was done lawfully and by an authorized person
Even small mistakes can raise serious questions about whether the results should be trusted.
Why Having a Rock Hill DUI Lawyer Matters
Challenging a breathalyzer or blood test isn’t about guessing—it’s about knowing where to look and what the state is required to prove. An experienced Rock Hill DUI attorney can:
- Demand maintenance and calibration records
- Review bodycam and dashcam footage
- Identify procedural errors
- File motions to suppress faulty evidence
- Push back against overreaching prosecutions
This is not something most people can do on their own—and it’s often the difference between a conviction and a reduced or dismissed charge.
Don’t Assume the Test Ends the Case
Too many people believe that failing a breath or blood test means the case is over. That’s simply not true. DUI cases are built on procedures, evidence, and legal standards—and when those aren’t met, the case can be challenged.
At Barboza Law, we look at every angle. We don’t take the state’s evidence at face value, and we don’t pressure clients into quick pleas just to move things along.
Talk to Barboza Law Before You Decide What to Do to Challenge Your DUI Charges
If you’re facing a DUI charge in Rock Hill or anywhere in York or Lancaster County, and a breathalyzer or blood test is involved, don’t make assumptions, and don’t make decisions without legal guidance.
Contact Barboza Law today to speak with Attorney Sabreena Barboza. We’ll review your case, explain your options in plain terms, and fight to protect your license, your record, and your future.
Call now or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation.
