If you were recently charged with a DUI, you likely feel anxious and unsure of how to proceed. By taking the time to educate yourself about the common misconceptions about DUI charges, you can get a better understanding of your legal options.
Here are some of the most common myths about DUI charges.
Breathalyzer Tests Are Always Accurate
Many people believe that breathalyzer tests are always accurate. Therefore, they might think they have no choice but to plead guilty. However, breathalyzer tests can be off sometimes. If the person administering the breathalyzer test wasn’t properly trained, ther results may not be accurate. Environmental factors and medical conditions can also skew the results.
Coffee Can Diminish the Effect of Alcohol
Some people who have had a few too many alcoholic beverages think that drinking a cup of coffee will lessen the effect of alcohol. While a cup of coffee might help you stay awake while you’re driving, it won’t help the alcohol wear off. It takes hours for alcohol to get out of your system.
I Won’t Go Jail for My First Offense
If you’ve never been in trouble with the law before and you didn’t cause an accident that severely injured anyone, you may be able to get off with no jail time. However, if you had a very high BAC or caused an accident that injured or killed another person, the judge will likely sentence you to jail.
A DUI Lawyer Isn’t Worth the Price
Some people make the mistake of not hiring a DUI lawyer because they think the fees are too high. While hiring a DUI lawyer isn’t exactly cheap, it can help you avoid paying thousands of dollars in fines, driver’s license reinstatement fees, higher insurance payments and other charges.
Police Have to See Your Driving to Arrest You for a DUI
This isn’t necessarily true. For instance, you might drive a couple of miles down the road and realize that you’re too intoxicated to keep driving. Therefore, you pull over to the side of the road and try to sleep it off. If a police officer sees you and you exhibit signs of intoxication, he or she can still arrest you for a DUI.
Were You Charged With a DUI?
If you were recently charged with a DUI, it’s crucial to consult with an experienced DUI lawyer, like a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, CA from the Morales Law Firm, as soon as possible. He or she can protect your legal rights, build you a strong defense and reduce your penalties.
