No. Breathalyzers are machines, and machines make mistakes. A breath reading can be false or inflated for many reasons, which is why a number on a printout is not the final word in a DUI case.
Several things can throw off a result. The device has to be calibrated and maintained on a schedule, and missing or sloppy records can undermine the reading. Mouth alcohol from a recent drink, burp, acid reflux, or dental work can spike a result well above your true BAC. Certain medical conditions, diets, and even the officer's failure to watch you for the required observation period before the test can all produce a bad number.
Breath machines also estimate your blood alcohol from your breath using an assumed conversion ratio that does not fit everyone. Temperature, breathing pattern, and individual physiology can all move the result. On top of that, your BAC can be rising or falling over time, so the reading at the station may not reflect your level when you were actually driving.
None of this means every result is wrong. It means a result deserves scrutiny, and a lawyer knows what records and defenses to look for. Learn how BAC defense works and whether a medical condition can cause a false reading.
This is general information, not legal advice, and every case is different. Call Crudo Law at (858) 622-7280 or visit /contact for a free, confidential consultation.