Drunk driving can quickly result in fines and penalties that affect you now and in the future. You may find yourself struggling to maintain a job, go to school or protect your reputation. It’s vital for people who make the mistake of driving after having alcohol to remember that this single situation could negatively impact them for years to come.
There is no law that you cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) under .08 percent, but there is a law that allows you to be pulled over and tested regardless of your level of intoxication. If the officer believes that you are too impaired to drive, you can face lesser penalties or even face a DUI despite not being over the limit. If you are a commercial driver, a BAC as low as .04 percent is enough to get you arrested for driving while intoxicated, even though the standard BAC limit is .08 percent.
What should you do if you’re stopped for a DUI?
If you refuse the breath test, you will likely lose your license. You can perform field sobriety tests and give a breath sample without saying anything that could incriminate you. You don’t have to answer if you’re asked if you’ve been drinking or other questions the officer may ask. Remember, anything you tell the officers could be used against you in court.
Your attorney can help you fight the charges you face, no matter how serious they are. There are steps officers have to take to obtain samples and they must have probable cause to pull you over legally, so if errors were made, this could help you walk away without penalties.