Legal Definitions - intoximeter

An intoximeter is a specialized device used to measure the concentration of alcohol in a person's breath. The measurement obtained from an intoximeter is then used to estimate the individual's blood alcohol content (BAC), which is a crucial factor in determining legal intoxication, particularly in cases of impaired driving.

Here are some examples of how an intoximeter might be used:

• Roadside Impairment Check: During a late-night traffic stop, a police officer suspects a driver is impaired. After the driver performs poorly on field sobriety tests, the officer uses a portable intoximeter at the roadside to get an initial reading of the driver's breath alcohol level.

  This illustrates how an intoximeter is used by law enforcement to gather preliminary evidence of potential intoxication, helping officers decide whether to make an arrest for driving under the influence (DUI).

• Evidence Collection at a Police Station: Following an arrest for suspected drunk driving, the driver is taken to the police station. There, a more sophisticated, stationary intoximeter is used to obtain a precise and legally admissible measurement of their breath alcohol concentration, which will be used as evidence in court.

  This demonstrates the use of an intoximeter in a controlled environment to produce evidence that meets legal standards for accuracy and reliability in a criminal prosecution.

• Workplace Safety Protocol: A manufacturing company has a strict policy against employees working under the influence of alcohol. After a minor incident on the factory floor, the supervisor requires the involved employee to submit to an intoximeter test as part of the company's post-incident safety protocol.

  This shows an intoximeter being used in a non-criminal context, specifically for workplace safety and policy enforcement, to ensure employees are not impaired while performing their duties.