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Blood Alcohol Concentration

Charged with a DUI?  Work With a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney

A DUI case requires an attorney with knowledge of the forensic science involved in both breath and blood testing. Each method has its own potential error sources and each method has its own unique vulnerabilities. At the Law Office of Trent R. Buckallew, the Phoenix DUI attorney has extensive experience in defending individuals accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. With nearly twenty years of experience, Attorney Trent Buckallew has significant experience in all aspects of defending DUI cases, including a strong background and understanding of the scientific evidence inherent in these types of cases, including blood and breath evidence. He is a Board Certified Criminal Defense attorney and personally handles each case from start to finish to ensure each case receives the expertise it deserves. Whether you have been accused of DUI with injury, DUI & drugs, aggravated DUI, or extreme DUI, he has the skill and resources necessary to seek the best outcome possible in your case.

Understanding Blood Alcohol Concentration

One of the key aspects of DUI cases is blood alcohol concentration, also referred to as blood alcohol content or BAC. BAC measures the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream. For example, if a driver is found to have a BAC of 0.10%, that means that this individual's blood supply contains one-part alcohol for every 1000 parts blood. In Arizona, the legal limit is below a BAC of 0.08% (or below a BAC of 0.04% for CDL drivers). High levels of alcohol in the body have been proven to greatly impair cognitive functions and decision-making abilities, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination can all be weakened due to alcohol consumption. The two most common means of measuring BAC are by conducting blood and breath tests. Although these are both scientific tests administered by professionals, errors can occur in either of these testing procedures and an experienced DUI attorney should be able to identify any potential issues which may have occurred during the process of obtaining and testing the blood or breath samples, which could undermine the results of those tests. While blood based DUI investigations are a complex area of science, some of the most common areas to review in blood testing procedures would include: 
    • Was the blood sample properly packaged?
    • Was the sample properly stored?
    • Who had access to the sample?
    • Is the chain of custody complete?
    • Are there any visual signs of contamination or fermentation of the sample?
    • Where did the blood tubes come from?
    • Was the tube properly labeled?
    • How many controls were used throughout the batch run?
    • Were there any machine malfunctions?
    • Was the person who conducted the test qualified to do so?
    • Is this person available for trial?
    • Was the machine properly calibrated?
These are only some of the most common examples of many other potential areas of concern your attorney will want to investigate. Blood based DUI investigations involve a complex area of science and you should seek out and retain an attorney knowledgeable in this complex area of forensic science. In addition to his Law degree, Mr. Buckallew has also received his Master of Forensic Science (M.F.S.) degree in 2004 from National University, giving him a unique understanding of both criminal law as well as the science behind the evidence in both criminal and DUI cases. He has extensive experience in litigating all types of DUI cases and identifying weaknesses and error points inherent in both breath and blood testing, which could undermine the State’s case. 

How a Phoenix DUI Lawyer Could Help

If you have questions regarding your DUI case or want to ensure you are properly represented in court, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC.  Attorney Trent Buckallew understands the significant consequences of a DUI conviction and will defend your case vigorously to get your case resolved under the most favorable terms possible.

Contact a Phoenix DUI attorney if you have been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The firm handles cases in most courts throughout the Phoenix metro area.
Client Reviews
★★★★★
We hired Trent Buckallew to represent our son following a second MIP ticket he received while in college. Mr. Buckallew kept us informed throughout all proceedings and helped us receive the satisfactory outcome of dropped charges in exchange for taking an alcohol awareness class. He was personable, knowledgeable and treated our small case with care and compassion. We would highly recommend him to anyone in need of representation. SR
★★★★★
Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into the case against (client's name). We sincerely appreciate the great job you did. We are praying this is the end of it. Thanks again so very much. This was such a difficult time for our family. LN
★★★★★
I'm finally 100% clear of the problem that started our relationship. I cannot thank you enough for handling my case and expungement. I have a great sense of new beginnings and don't have to let my past affect my future. My freedom is priceless. TM
★★★★★
I appreciate everything you were able to accomplish for my father and will certainly be referring Mr. Buckallew to anyone I know who may be in need of an excellent criminal defense attorney. CM
★★★★★
Trent handled cases for me on two different occasions involving tickets for seat belt violations in commercial vehicles. Very happy with results. All charges dismissed. One case in Flagstaff and one case in Gilbert Court. KF