Intoxilyzer 5000- Secret Software Lawsuit

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The State of Minnesota is suing CMI, the maker of the Intoxilyzer 5000. Minnesota is requesting the software (source code) that runs the machine. Texas also uses the Intox 5000 for breath alcohol testing.

CMI has long held that this source code is a trade secret. In Texas, the government technicians who “certify” these machines in the field, have no idea how the software works. If the software breaks down, they send the machine in.

I hope Minnesota is successful in this lawsuit. Secret software has no place in criminal justice. If the software is fine then why not release it? If it doesn’t work, and innocent people have/are being convicted I could see CMI reluctance (class action anyone?)

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Posted in: DWI Defense Lawyer
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One response to “Intoxilyzer 5000- Secret Software Lawsuit”

  1. Tom says:
    December 30, 2008 at 11:44 am

    What is also interesting is how some states own the code when they buy the machines, so as to close the door for scrutiny. CMI, the manufacture, does not say anywhere how they go about QC, nor what standards they employe to certify code.

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