Approximately 37 people die daily due to drunk driving in the US, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. One of the main reasons why such statistics are so high is the myths around DUI cases.
Prosecutors or the police can use these myths and misconceptions if you’re facing Florida DUI charges. They can make you believe you are at fault even if you’re innocent.
Learn more about the myths about DUI cases and what you need to defend yourself.
You Can Only be Charged With a DUI Case if You’re Over the Legal Limit
Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 is illegal in most states in America, including Florida. Many believe that being over the legal limit is an automatic conviction in a Florida DUI case.
A lawyer can help you understand how the calculation of BAC and if you’re in trouble with the law. Experienced auto accident lawyers help you win DUI cases if your BAC exceeds 0.08.
Another myth related to the BAC is that you can’t get in legal trouble if it’s lower than 0.08. However, a police officer can still charge you with a DUI case if they feel that your driving is partially or fully impaired by alcohol.
Other myths related to BAC include:
- Eating food reduces your blood alcohol concentration level
- Low levels of BAC don’t cause impairment
- You can beat the breathalyzer using gum, mouthwash, or mints
Don’t let a BAC level of 0.08 or higher discourage you from giving up a defense. Legal help can help you understand the options available and how we can win your case.
Refusing a Breathalyzer Saves You From a DUI Conviction
Another common myth related to DUI cases is that you won’t get a conviction if you don’t take the breathalyzer. After a night of drinking, you may be aware that your blood alcohol level is over the legal limit of 0.08%. Deciding not to take a breathalyzer test can’t save you from a DUI conviction.
The act of refusal will attract a one-year license suspension. If you’re a habitual traffic offender, and it’s your second refusal to a breathalyzer, the suspension will last 18 months.
Besides, you can still get charged with a DUI offense, and your refusal of a breathalyzer will be used against you. So, what can you do if you suspect your BAC is over the legal limit? Talk to a DUI lawyer to understand your options and learn the best DUI defense strategies.
You Can’t Face DUI Charges or an Arrest If You Aren’t Driving
It may not make sense that you can still face Florida DUI charges even if you aren’t driving. But the truth is that DUI charges extend beyond the act of driving. DUI covers the actual physical control and operation of a car if you’re under the influence.
Under the law, operating a vehicle refers to sleeping or being in the driver’s seat even if the engine isn’t running. You may also get charged with a DUI if the keys are within reach but not in the ignition.
Once arrested, the Florida DUI penalties you can expect if convicted of a DUI offense include the following:
- Fines ranging from $500 to $5,000
- Jail time
- Loss of your car through impounding
- Probation and community service
Florida DUI lawyer tips can help you minimize the penalties you may face after a DUI case.
You Can Sober Up Fast
Sobering up fast is another common myth vehicle operators have clung to for a long time. The truth is time is the only way you can get sober or reduce your BAC below the legal limit. Some of the activities many believe can speed up sobering are:
- Drinking coffee
- Taking a shower
- Physical exercise
- Eating food before or after drinking
Doing all these won’t help you sober up quickly. They also don’t negate alcohol’s ability to impair your driving. The best course of action is to give your body time for alcohol to get absorbed and metabolized.
Only Drinking Alcohol Can Lead to DUI Charges or Arrest
Perhaps you don’t drink, but you find yourself charged with a DUI case. The charge will stand if the reason for your impairment is legally prescribed medications. Medications such as antidepressants and painkillers can significantly impair your judgment.
So, driving under the influence can attract a DUI charge or even the more serious Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) charge. Luckily, Florida only uses driving under the influence charge.
Getting legal representation can help you avoid the legal consequences associated with a conviction. Florida law provides for more severe fines or penalties after subsequent DUI charges.
You Must Submit to a Field Sobriety Test
One of the main misconceptions about DUI laws is that drivers must always submit to field sobriety tests. Florida law allows drivers to accept or refuse field sobriety tests. However, refusing to take field sobriety tests may get used as evidence against you.
Submitting to field sobriety tests may also put you at a disadvantage. This is due to factors such as these:
- Weight and age
- Physical injuries
- The weather or prevailing conditions
A Florida lawyer can help you understand DUI case facts that can help you create a solid defense. This is especially important if it is an out-of-state DUI charge.
You Don’t Need a Lawyer in a Florida DUI Case
Many drivers wrongly believe that they don’t need a lawyer if they’re charged with a DUI case. Such a belief may be fueled by the misconception that DUI charges don’t have severe consequences.
However, you face severe consequences if you’re found guilty of a DUI offense. A DUI is not a minor offense; you need a lawyer to help you navigate the complex legal landscape.
Get Legal Help to Beat Florida DUI Cases Today
A DUI charge can be stressful due to the potential Florida DUI penalties have in derailing your life. Relying on your knowledge to handle such cases is ill-advised. This is because of the many myths and misconceptions about DUI cases.
RHINO Lawyers can help you understand the facts about your case. We will guide you on how the legal system works and create effective DUI strategies. Contact us today to get a free consultation.
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RHINO Lawyers can help and guide you through a system molded by law enforcement, judges, and lawyers for decades. Having won cases for our clients in similar circumstances, our criminal defense team knows what it takes to fight on your behalf.
Let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at (844) RHINO-77.
