Refuting Common DUI Myths
Having too many drinks before getting in the car to start driving can be a serious mistake for a person to make. In addition to the enhanced risks of being in an accident, you may also be charged with driving under the influence, and this charge can carry extreme consequences. Unfortunately, it can be fairly common for individuals to be relatively uninformed about these alcohol-related driving charges, which can make them susceptible to believing the following two myths about this type of criminal charge.
Myth: All DUI Convictions Are The Same
While a DUI conviction can be a devastating problem for a person to experience, it should be noted that there are different degrees of charges that you can face. For example, there can be extenuating circumstances that can add to the severity of your punishment, such as driving with an especially high blood alcohol content or having children in the car. Additionally, if you have been convicted of this charge in the past, the courts may impose harsher penalties on you, which can include jail time. However, the exact rules for these factors can vary from one state to another, which means you will need to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney so that you can better understand what you are facing.
Myth: There Are No Consequences To Refusing Field Sobriety Tests Or Breathalyzers
When a police officer suspects that you are driving under the influence, they will likely want to administer either a field sobriety or a breathalyzer test. Unfortunately, there are some people that make the assumption that they can freely decline these tests. In fact, it is common for states to have strict laws in place that outline the punishments for refusing these field tests. For example, it is common for the license of drivers to be revoked for refusing these tests or it may even be possible to face a separate criminal charge.
Being stopped for driving under the influence can be a frightening and stressful experience for you to go through. Due to the serious consequences that can come from these cases, it is important for you to be as informed as possible. By making sure that you understand that DUI charges can come in a range of severities and that there can be severe consequences for refusing field sobriety or breathalyzer tests, you will likely be in a much better position for ensuring that your rights are protected during these indicates.
For more information, talk to a company like The Ryan Law Firm.