School officials are often held to higher moral standard by the general public. The public sometimes fails to remember that school employees are people too; and they make mistakes like anyone else. A Wesley Chapel High School instructional assistant has learned this the hard way; she has been arrested for driving under the influence in Polk County.
Police responded to a traffic crash and found the Defendant, 53-year old Valeri Youmans, off balance, smelling of alcohol and possessing bloodshot/watery eyes. The police report stated that Youmans failed three separate field sobriety tests and submitted to a breathalyzer test. She blew 0.162 and 0.155, which is twice the Florida legal limit for alcohol consumption of .08. Police arrested her on charges of DUI. She is currently out of jail on bond and awaiting trial.
I am a DUI attorney who has handled countless DUI cases. I do not represent Ms. Youmans, nor do I possess information that may compromise attorney/client privileges. My firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience and I have offices throughout the State of Florida for your convenience.
The breathalyzer test is a fairly reliable method in determining a driver's blood alcohol level, but it is not fool proof. A breathalyzer test is administered by a machine and like any other, is subject to user error. Professionals state that a blood test is actually more accurate in determining an individual's blood alcohol content, but is not convenient for officer use in the field.
As a DUI defense attorney, I often cast doubt on my clients' breath test results. I question the test administer. The administrator may have incorrectly used the machine or may not be certified or properly trained. The defendant may suffer from a health condition that would inhibit proper exhale and scue the results; such as lung disease or other problems. The equipment may give false readings because it had not been properly maintained. Lastly, environmental factors, such as air pollutants, could cause false readings. There are many factors that jeopardize its accuracy.
As a Florida DUI attorney, I question all the factors in regard to my clients' cases. I do not settle if a defendant blows a high blood alcohol level or if the facts are stacked against you. I will not let a machine determine your future. Contact a knowledgeable DUI lawyer for help with your case.
