New Flashlights Help Law Enforcement Detect Alcohol Levels in Drivers

In efforts to combat the problem of DUI, a new device has now come into being that will help law enforcement detect whether a person has been drinking lightly, moderately, heavily or not at all. The device comes in the form of a flashlight and is called a passive alcohol sensor. The flashlight looks like a regular one, but is placed within a foot of a driver's nose and can detect whether the driver has been drinking alcohol. The lights on one end of the flashlight indicate to the officer whether or not to administer further tests to determine actual intoxication levels.

Percentage of DUI's Detected with Device Increases

According to one study that was done with the new devices, there was almost a 20% increase of alcohol detection in drivers who were tested at a traffic stop when compared to the use of more traditional detection methods. Police apparently do not have any intention to be covert about the use of the flashlights, but they may not tell a driver of its use during a traffic stop until after they have been arrested for DUI. Law enforcement officials claim that the device is more reliable than relying upon the one's regular sense of smell in the detection of alcohol.

What To Do if you Have Been Charged with DUI

The penalties for a DUI conviction in Virginia reflect the state's harsh attitudes towards this offense. A conviction can result in loss of your driver's license, community service, mandatory treatment programs and increased insurance rates. It can also prevent you from obtaining certain jobs with a DUI on your record. If you are facing a DUI charge, it would be in your best interests to contact a Richmond criminal defense attorney immediately to help you fight the charges and preserve your freedoms. On many occasions, it has turned out that test results were inaccurate or incorrectly administered and this can be determined by proper investigation.

At Vaughan C. Jones, we can work with you to create a strategic defense. We will do all in our power to help you avoid a conviction and at minimum, help you get the charges reduced. Attorney Jones has effectively represented hundreds of clients charged with various crimes in Virginia including DUI. During the time period as a lead prosecutor, he never lost a jury trial and this experience has led to his achieving remarkable results with clients in criminal defense.

For exceptional DUI representation, contact a Richmond DUI defense attorney from our office to set up a free consultation and we will go over the DUI charge being brought against you.