If you’ve recently been arrested for DWI in New Jersey, you’re probably trying to make sense of what just happened and what comes next. One of the most important pieces of evidence in a DWI case is often the Alcotest—New Jersey’s breath test machine. But what many people don’t realize is that this machine isn’t perfect. In fact, it has a long history of software and reliability issues, and those problems have reached the New Jersey Supreme Court not once, but twice.
The Alcotest Isn’t Foolproof
While the Alcotest is still in use across the state, its software flaws have been the focus of serious legal challenges. In the first major court case, New Jersey’s highest court acknowledged that the machine had known software problems. These issues affected how the device calculated and reported blood alcohol concentration (BAC). The court ruled that the state needed to address these problems before continuing widespread use.
Later, in a second case, the court found that the device’s limitations could unfairly impact certain groups of people, including those with particular medical conditions or unique physiological characteristics. As a result, the court created exceptions to protect people who might otherwise face wrongful convictions due to design or software flaws.
So while the Alcotest is still being used by law enforcement, these rulings make it clear that the machine’s results are not always reliable and must be challenged when appropriate.
Strict Rules Must Be Followed
In New Jersey, every breath test must follow strict legal protocols. That includes how the machine is maintained, how the officer administers the test, and how the results are handled. If any part of the process is done incorrectly, the results may be inadmissible in court—which could drastically improve the outcome of your case.
The idea that a DWI arrest automatically leads to a conviction is simply not true. Many cases are successfully challenged, especially when chemical testing was not properly conducted.
Why You Need an Experienced DWI Attorney
Challenging breath test results—especially those involving the Alcotest—requires deep legal knowledge and hands-on courtroom experience. That’s where Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law stands out.
Led by attorney Matthew Reisig, the firm has built a reputation as one of New Jersey’s most successful DWI defense law firms for nearly 30 years. Reisig has personally defended over 1,400 DWI cases, including many involving faulty breath test results, improper procedures, and weak evidence.
He knows how to identify flaws in the case against you, file motions to suppress unreliable evidence, and challenge the use of Alcotest results when protocols haven’t been followed correctly.
Protect Your Future
A DWI conviction in New Jersey can mean license suspension, heavy fines, insurance hikes, and even jail time. But it doesn’t have to end that way. You have the right to fight back—and you don’t have to do it alone.
If you or someone you know has been charged with DWI, don’t wait. Contact Reisig Criminal Defense & DWI Law today. With nearly three decades of proven results, they’re the firm you can trust to defend your rights and protect your future.
