Everyone makes mistakes. Many mistakes don’t have large consequences and are easily forgettable. However, making a mistake that goes against the law could lead to serious criminal charges.
To ensure that you don’t suffer the punishment of a criminal record, you should consider avoiding these common mistakes that lead to DUI charges:
1. Drinking coffee to sober up
Factually speaking, coffee is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. It’s commonly believed that people can sober up by mixing coffee and alcohol or drinking one after the other. In theory, this would make it so people who drank would be able to safely drive.
However, people will feel the effects of both coffee and alcohol simultaneously. What this means is that drivers will suffer from focus issues and poor judgment from both the alcohol and adrenaline from the coffee, which can cause reckless driving when combined.
2. Admitting to drinking
During a traffic stop, the police may suspect that the driver is drunk. The first thing they may do is ask the driver if they are drunk. At this point, the driver can admit to drinking, but it’s in their best interest to not respond to the questions. This is because people have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer police questions.
3. Consenting to a field test
The police may ask the driver to do a test to prove whether or not they are inebriated. One test may include a field sobriety test. A field sobriety test is a physical examination that could include a focus, walking or standing test. Drivers can refuse these tests without suffering penalties.
4. Refusing a chemical test
Conversely, the police may ask the driver to do a chemical test, such as a breath test. Under implied consent laws, drivers must take chemical tests and refusing them could lead to criminal charges.
5. Using a penny to trick a breath test
There are all kinds of falsehoods out there about Breathalyzers, and some believe that a penny in their mouth could save them from a DUI. However, this is a common myth that doesn’t have any scientific evidence of working. It’s simply a choking hazard.
If you’re facing a DUI charge, then you may need to understand your options for a legal defense.