Getting a driving under the influence (DUI) charge is no laughing matter. A DUI charge can lead to legal fines and incarceration. Any criminal charge, such as a DUI, can have a lasting effect on your life.
Many people get charged with a DUI because they read or heard a common myth that, in theory, would let them avoid a charge. However, most misconceptions don’t. Here are a few common myths about DUI charges:
1. You have to take field sobriety tests
If law enforcement doesn’t immediately test you with a breathalyzer, then they may, instead, use a field sobriety test. These are performance tests to judge suspects of their inebriation levels. However, against common belief, you aren’t required by law to take them.
2. Breath tests aren’t accurate
While there may not be much proof that breathalyzer tests are or aren’t accurate, you shouldn’t take the risk of driving under the influence and finding out you failed the test. Having a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher can lead to a DUI charge.
3. Suck on a penny to pass a breath test
One of the oldest tricks people believe is that a penny in your mouth will always let you pass a breath test. The truth is that there’s likely no evidence behind using a penny to pass a breath test – you’re more likely to catch a sickness from sucking on a penny than passing a breathalyzer test, unfortunately.
You shouldn’t let yourself fall for common myths. If you’re dealing with a DUI charge, you may need to know how to build a sturdy defense.