Accused of driving drunk? Debunk these Virginia DUI myths

If you or someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence in Virginia, you are probably hearing a lot about drunk driving – but not all of it is true.  Let’s clear up some of these persistent myths:

1. Even one drink means you are unfit to drive.  This isn’t true across the board.  Intoxication depends on the individual, and one drink is highly unlikely to get your blood alcohol level close to the legal limit of 0.08.
2. Breathalyzers are very accurate at measuring blood alcohol content.  Actually, a breathalyzer has to be accurately calibrated, used, and read in order for it to be accurate.
3. Blood alcohol content is a reliable measure of a person’s intoxication.  No – a person’s level of intoxication will depend on the individual.  People who do not drink often will be far more impaired after a few drinks than a person who is used to the effects of alcohol.
4. The BAC limit for driving should be lowered in Virginia to keep drunk drivers off the road.  There are two issues here.  First, alcohol consumption affects everybody differently – see the point above.  Secondly, just because there is a law does not mean people will heed it.

Don’t let people give you a hard time if you are facing DUI charges.  What you do have to know is that you have a lot at stake if you are convicted of the charges against you, and for this reason you should at least talk with an attorney.  Please call our office to learn more.