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Question:
Do I have a choice of chemical tests? Which should I choose?
Answer:
In most states, you have a choice — of breath, blood or urine (most states, however, do not offer urinalysis). If you choose breath, many jurisdictions permit you to have a second test of blood or urine; this is because a breath sample is not saved and so cannot later be re-analyzed by the defense. In California, only blood or breath are offered, unless neither is available in which case urinalysis is possible; a blood sample will be taken if requested after a breath test is given.
Analysis of a blood sample is potentially the most accurate. Breath machines are susceptible to a number of problems rendering them often unreliable. The least accurate by far, however, is urinalysis. Thus, if you are confident that you are sober, a blood sample is the wise choice; urine, being least accurate and most easily impeached, is the best option if you believe your blood-alcohol concentration is above the legal limit.
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