Why do people believe myths about how to beat a DUI charge? Because these stories are told time and time again, leading people to believe it’s true that, say, putting a penny in your mouth will throw off a Breathalyzer. It’s not true, and there are many other similar falsehoods that people believe about DUI law.
Here are some of the less silly claims made about DUIs, along with a discussion of what the reality is:
Myth #1: “It won’t be me.”
Fact: If you’ve been drinking, relinquish the car keys until you’re sober – don’t risk driving buzzed. Even if you’re driving perfectly while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, beware, you may still get caught and arrested for it. Although probable cause is required for a traffic stop, sobriety checkpoints are the exception to this rule. Sobriety checkpoints are permissible under Alabama law. These are roadblocks where drivers are briefly detained by a police officer and interviewed. Suspicious drivers are subject to sobriety field tests.
Myth #2: Eating food or drinking coffee helps lower blood alcohol content (BAC).
Fact: While eating or drinking may help you feel like you’ve “sobered up,” it does not lower your BAC – only time can decrease your BAC. Although measurements vary from one person to the next, most people’s BAC will decrease by approximately 0.01% every hour. Always make sure you’re sober enough to drive, and don’t feel as though you can sober up by stopping at the drive through on the way home.
If you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Alabama, you’ll face steep penalties, ranging from fines to jail time and a suspension of your driver’s license.
Myth #3: Those who are stopped on suspicion for DUI must do everything the police officer says.
Fact: You have rights! You are under no obligation to make self-incriminating statements to an officer who asks a) if you have been drinking and/or b) when you had your last drink. While you shouldn’t lie to the officer, you don’t have to answer these questions. If you are asked to complete a series of field sobriety tests, you are legally allowed to refuse them. You are not allowed to refuse blood or breath tests, however. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, make sure you don’t say anything until you have a Birmingham DUI lawyer to help you answer questions in a way that won’t incriminate you.
Have you been charged with a DUI? We are here to fight for you. Schedule your initial evaluation by calling Tidwell Law Group, LLC at (205) 536-7770 today!
