You probably know that if you’re caught weaving all over the road, slurring your words and smelling of alcohol that you’re likely to end up facing a drunk driving charge — so you’re careful not to make those kinds of mistakes.
But, do you know that’s not the only way that you can end up sitting in the back of a patrol car, listening to an officer read you your rights? Here are three other ways that you can end up being charged:
You show signs of inebriation
You don’t have to be flat-out drunk with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher to catch a charge. The police can arrest you if you show signs of being tipsy or otherwise impaired while driving. Some common signs they look for include slurred speech, unsteady movements or drowsiness. You can be considered “impaired” even if you aren’t legally drunk.
You fail a chemical sobriety test
Sometimes people may not feel intoxicated even when they are — especially if they’re just good at “holding their alcohol.” If you’re suspected of being impaired, the police may ask you to blow into a Breathalyzer device, which will evaluate the alcohol content in the air in your lungs. Exceeding a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% means that you’re legally intoxicated — even if you don’t feel drunk.
You have an open bottle of alcohol
The police could arrest you based on the evidence they find in your vehicle. For example, having an open bottle of alcohol in reach may cause the police to believe you were drinking while operating your vehicle. This evidence alone could be used against you in court to secure a conviction.
A charge for drunk driving can severely harm your future. You may need to explore your legal defense options to avoid a DUI conviction, incarceration, fines and other punishments.
