Not only do you threaten the safety of others when drinking and driving, but there is the possibility of getting arrested for a DWI. It can be tough to clear your name of the legal issues surrounding a DWI. Learn the truth behind the following three myths to avoid getting a DWI.
Myth: You Are Sober If You Can Pass A Sobriety Test
Many people think that if they are sober enough to pass a sobriety test, they are sober enough to drive. Unfortunately, just because you are able to walk in a straight line does not mean that you are able to drive a car.
Sobriety is based on blood alcohol levels, and if they are above the legal limit of .08 in the United States, you can get a DUI. If you are under the age of 21, there is a zero tolerance policy where any level of alcohol in your system will result in a DWI.
Instead of relying on your own self-evaluated sobriety test before getting behind the wheel, invest in a personal Breathalyzer that can measure your blood alcohol levels.
Myth: You Are Able To Refuse Tests If Requested By The Police
The police may request that you take a breath test, urine test, or sobriety test if pulled over, and there is a misconception that you can refuse to take these tests. Doing so may result in being arrested or having your license suspended, and can still result in a DWI conviction. Officers can use other evidence from your arrest, and do not necessarily need the results of a test to prove you were driving under the influence of alcohol.
Delaying the test will not help for these same reasons. It takes about 45 minutes for your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) levels to drop .01%. Even if you are able to wait out the time to take a breath test and pass it, the time between your arrest and the test can be taken into consideration.
Myth: You Do Not Need To Hire A Lawyer
If you failed a breath test with a BAC above .08, you may feel that there is nothing you can do to prevent your conviction, and that it is pointless to hire a lawyer. Even if you are found guilty, a lawyer can help reduce the charges against you. In the end, you may avoid facing the strictest punishment you can receive, which includes potential jail time. Contact a DWI lawyer like Carl L. Britt, Jr. for more information.
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