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A Few Of The Most Common Myths Surrounding DUI Charges

by Gina Hill

Getting pulled over and arrested for driving under the influence can be life-changing. These charges often come with large fines, revocation of your license, and driving restrictions that stay on your record for years. However, while most people are aware that a DUI charge is a serious issue, there are also some pretty common myths surrounding this crime. Here are a few of them.

1. If it's your first offense, the judge will automatically reduce the charges.

It's true that in many cases, DUI charges end up being reduced if this is your first-time offense. But this is not something that happens automatically. It is something you need to fight for with the help of a good attorney. Your attorney will need to formulate an argument that convinces the judge that you deserve to have your charges reduced. The judge will need to be convinced that you are a good person with generally good judgment, someone who made a single error and won't do it again. Without a good lawyer in your corner, you can pretty much bet the harsher charges will stick, as judges take DUIs very seriously.

2. You can't argue with the breathalyzer results.

The breathalyzer showed that your blood alcohol level was 0.10%, which is over the legal limit of 0.08 — so you're definitely guilty, right? BAC levels are pretty solid evidence, but they can still be argued against! Your lawyer can argue that the breathalyzer that was used was not calibrated correctly, that the officer made an error using it, or that the officer faked the results. If you are convinced that the breathalyzer reading was too high considering the amount of alcohol you actually consumed, don't keep quiet about this.

3. A DUI is just another traffic violation.

A DUI charge is very different from a traffic ticket. Traffic violations are not "crimes" in the sense that they are not misdemeanors or felonies that stay on your record forever. A DUI is a crime similar to burglary or breaking and entering — it can come with jail time or huge fines. Most DUIs are misdemeanors, but if you have multiple DUIs or were drinking and driving with a child in the car, the DUI can be charged as a felony, which means that if you are convicted, it can affect your right to vote, hold office, and own firearms. Take DUI charges seriously, and hire a good lawyer to defend you. Contact a DUI defense lawyer in your area in order to learn more.