Do I Have A Choice Of Blood Alcohol Level Tests?

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Do I Have A Choice Of Blood Alcohol Level Tests?

At the scene of the arrest, police officers will frequently offer what is called alcosensor. The alcosensor is a notoriously inaccurate breath test. It is used merely to show a person has alcohol in their system. Because of its inaccuracy, it is inadmissible in a trial; it merely shows probable cause for the arrest. When the person is taken back to the station for the "official" test they are usually only offered a breath test. Recently, the breath test was established by the Virginia General Assembly as the main test. Thus, the defendant does not have a choice of tests. He must take the breath test. However, if a breath test is not readily available or practical, the blood test shall be offered.

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