Getting a DUI can be a scary situation. Unfortunately, almost 30 million people admit to driving under the influence of alcohol. Since it's something that so many people face, there are a lot of "tricks" that get passed around in the bar. Here's a look at three of the most common DUI "tricks" that could land you in jail if you try to use them.
Myth #1: You can't be charged with a DUI if you're not driving
Many people think that they can't be charged with a DUI if they're not actually caught in the act of driving. That's not true though. You don't have to be actually driving a car to get a DUI. It's entirely possible to be charged with one even if you're just sitting in the driver's seat with your keys in your pocket. Most states have what's known as "physical control" laws, meaning that as long as you are in physical control of the car, you're at risk.
Myth #2: As long as you're under .08, you're good to go
Some people carry a portable breathalyzer with them, and if their BAC is under the "legal limit" of .08, they think they're okay. While that is the legal mark for determining "drunk" driving in all states, you can still get charged with DUI if your BAC is lower than .08 in a lot of places. DUI laws are being expanded in a lot of states, especially those where medical marijuana has been approved, because it's entirely possible to be "impaired" by something that won't show up on a sobriety test.
Myth #3: A penny or breath mint can beat a breathalyzer
For some reason, there's been a longstanding myth that sucking on a penny or breath mint can "trick" a breathalyzer test. If you get pulled over while buzzed, don't think spare change is going to get you out of trouble. A penny does absolutely nothing, and a breath mint will only do a little to mask smell (which isn't what's being tested, anyway). The air being tested comes from deep within your lungs, and there's nothing you can do to hide alcohol from a sobriety test.
If you find yourself facing a DUI, your best bet is going to be to contact an attorney who specializes in this area, such as Jack Weatherill Law Offices. A DUI attorney has likely seen hundreds of cases before, so they know how to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
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