Are You Arrested for DUI in Georgia? Arresting someone can have devastating legal, social and financial repercussions in Georgia. Therefore, it’s crucial that all individuals, particularly drivers, remain knowledgeable of any myths and misperceptions surrounding DUI laws in order to make informed decisions regarding their driving behaviors and avoid criminal charges in the future.
Some of the more prevalent Atlanta DUI Myths that people commonly believe include:
Myth #1: You are only subject to DUI charges if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds 0.08 percent.
Police officers use more than the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit as one factor when assessing impairment of driving ability, including Georgia’s DUI less safe statute, which allows officers to arrest drivers even with blood alcohol concentration levels below 0.08% if an officer believes their ability to operate safely was diminished by alcohol use.
Myth #2: Breath that smells of alcohol indicates intoxication. Breath smelling like alcohol may not necessarily indicate intoxication as the scent can come from various substances like mouthwash, cigar smoke or non-alcoholic beer as well as certain food items or even medical conditions that affect breathing or digestion which could produce it.
Myth #3: Refusing to take the breathalyzer test will prevent a DUI conviction.
Per James Yeargan an Atlanta DUI Attorney and lawyer, people often fear being arrested if they refuse to take a breathalyzer test; however, refusing can actually bring its own penalties including an automatic license suspension in certain jurisdictions and evidence against you in court proceedings.
Myth #4: Legal prescription medications will protect you from DUI charges.
Though legal prescription medication can ease some of the devastating repercussions of a DUI conviction, you cannot use this as an excuse for drinking and driving. Even with valid documentation in hand, taking too much medication could still impair your ability to drive safely.
Myth #5: If arrested for DUI, only physical presence with keys in ignition would suffice.
Physical control of a vehicle means more than sitting in the driver’s seat; simply being present with your key in the ignition can put you under physical control of a vehicle even if its engine is off. If this describes you, contact James Yeargan your only choice for a DUI Lawyer immediately for advice.
