Investigation finds 2,000 cases affected by improperly calibrated breathalyzers

What began with 416 DUI cases now totals more than 2,000. The Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office has concluded its investigation into cases potentially affected by an improperly calibrated breathalyzer test, and has found 2,126. More than 600 are not eligible for consideration of a new trial.

Information released today by the D.A.’s office shows in those 667 cases, either an arrest was not made because the individual wasn’t above the legal limit, the defendant was found not guilty or the D.A.’s office withdrew the case.

The remaining 1,459 defendants can request new trials. Hearings began April 27 for defendants who pleaded guilty or were found not guilty, and time has been scheduled over the next few months to reserve a court room for the cases.

Calibrations of breathalyzer tests are now double-checked by supervisors.