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DUI Breath Testing

Breath Tests During Tucson DUI Investigations

 

Intoxilyzer 9000

The Intoxilyzer 9000 made by CMI is now the instrument used by Tucson Police Department for breath analysis.  TPD used to use breath testing in the majority of its cases.  When TPD stopped using the Intoxilyzer 8000, they shifted to blood testing.  Even though TPD now has the Intoxilyzer 9000, in the majority of DUI investigations TPD draws blood for blood testing.

Intoxilyzer 8000

Intoxilyzer 8000

The Intoxilyzer 8000 made by CMI is was the primary tool used by Tucson Police Department for chemical analysis in DUI cases until recently.  Its use has been phased out.  Tucson Police have shifted to wider use of blood testing.  Additionally, they are using the newer Intoxilyzer 9000.

Unlike the Intoxilyzer 5000, the Intoxilyzer 8000 is specifically designed to be mobile. The device can be plugged into a cigarette lighter, plugged into a normal 120 volt wall socket, or run on batteries.

While based upon the same concept as the Intoxilyzer 5000, the technology within the box is new. The Intoxilyzer 5000 employs a rotating filter wheel to assist it in identifying alcohol quantities in breath. The 8000, in comparison, is entirely solid state with no moving parts. In theory this is supposed to make the device more reliable, however, the 8000 has not been in service long enough for experts to assess its durability.

Intoxilyzer 5000

Intoxilyzer 5000

Prior to the introduction of the Intoxilyzer 8000, the Tucson Police Department primarily used the Intoxilyzer 5000 for chemical testing. Newer versions of the Intoxilyzer 5000 came equipped with a keyboard and memory. When activated, the machines could record a host of internal diagnostic readings along with every test conducted. For years, Tucson Police department resisted using newer versions of the Intoxilyzer, going so far as to return newer versions.

Many in the Tucson / Pima County defense bar believe the Tucson Police Department refused to use the newer models because they wanted to deny the defense bar the wealth of diagnostic information stored within the machine memory.

Tucson Police Department discontinued use of the Intoxilyzer 5000 years ago.

Focused On Your Case

We understand that a DUI charge is like a dark cloud looming above you. We work together to make sure that you not only get a great resolution to your case, but that you also know that you are well taken care of every step of the way.

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