Polk County Dui Lawyers

Scientists as far back as 1993 have known that breathalyzer machines read acetone in the breath as though they are alcohol. Two groups of people in Polk County are at high risk for testing positive for high blood alcohol even though they haven’t been drinking—diabetics and dieters.

A falsely high reading could result in a DUI arrest and potential conviction unless the DUI attorney you hire to represent you is aware of this problem. You need a DUI attorney representing you if you are arrested for a DUI in Polk County who is prepared to fight aggressively on your behalf.

The Reason for False Breathalyzer Alcohol Readings

A breathalyzer is designed to measure a group a chemicals in what is known as the “methyl group”. While methyl alcohol is a primary compound in this group, it isn’t the only one. Acetone is also an alcohol. It is this alcohol that may be found on the breath of diabetics and dieters.

In type I diabetics, the mechanism that causes acetone in the breath appears when insulin levels get too low. Insulin enables cells to take glucose in and use it for energy. When the cells don’t have an adequate glucose supply, the body turns to fat stores. Breaking down fat into glucose produces ketones, a type of acid.

In dieters, the mechanism is slightly different, but the end result is the same. In this case, the absence of an adequate carbohydrate supply leads the body to burn fat. Even though insulin is present, the shortage of carbohydrates sets up the cycle of ketone production. Low-carb diets have been especially linked to ketoacidosis. The condition has also been observed in anyone who is fasting.

Whether caused by diabetes or dieting, the end result is the same–ketoacidosis. These chemical reactions are detected by breath machines and lead to falsely high breath results.

Ketoacidosis Can Cause DUI Symptoms.

As the ketone acid level builds up in the blood, it has a negative impact on the central nervous system. The brain is affected, response time, etc. Symptoms can easily be mistaken for intoxication— difficulty paying attention, confusion, a flushed appearance, feeling tired, a fruity odor on the breath.

Why does this happen? The liver stops producing glucose while it is breaking down the ketones for elimination from the body. This causes low blood sugar, which affects the central nervous system. While you may not have consumed a single drink, symptoms that mimic the influence of methyl alcohol begin appearing.

A police officer can misread these symptoms and reach the conclusion that you are under the influence of alcohol when in reality you have not ingested any alcohol at all.

Could You be Arrested for DUI?

If you are suffering from ketoacidosis, acetone will be released on your breath. A breathalyzer test may find you are above the legal alcohol limit. There is the potential that you could be arrested for DUI. If this happens to you, you want to hire a DUI attorney with experience. You also want a DUI attorney that will work aggressively to clear you of your DUI charges.

Musca Law will ask questions about your medical history. If you have a history of diabetes or are on a weight-loss diet, we’ll use this information for your benefit. While we may not be able to get all charges dropped, we will fight for a reduced charge of reckless driving if we can’t get all charges dropped

If you have been charged with DUI in Polk County, contact a Polk County DUI attorney at our firm for a free and confidential consultation.