You are at a party and although you are the designated driver, you think it will be okay to have just one drink early in the evening. Unfortunately, you get into a disagreement with the host and you are forced to depart early. You hear the sound of sirens as you drive home and you wonder if you are in trouble.
When am I legally drunk?
You are considered to be driving under the influence in the state of Florida if you have a blood alcohol content of .08% or more. You may also be considered under the influence if you are not in possession of your normal faculties and cannot drive your car properly.
Your tolerance for alcohol may be a factor in whether or not you are in control of your faculties. The time you had the drink, your body weight, and the strength of the drink may contribute to your BAC.
It takes the average person one to two hours for alcohol to pass through their system. However, your BAC may continue to rise for up to 3 hours after a drink. Only time can sober a person up. It will not do any good to eat or drink water.
What should I do if I get pulled over?
If you hear sirens and see flashing lights, don’t panic, just pull over to the side of the road and put your hands on the steering wheel. When the officer approaches your car, they will ask you for your license and registration. You should always be polite and respectful when an officer pulls you over.
Questions the Police May Ask
When you are pulled over, the officer may ask you where you have been and how much you have had to drink. You should never be rude to an officer of the law, but you do not have to answer these questions. Most lawyers would advise you not to answer them.
Test The Police May Ask You to Take
You may be asked to take a breathalyzer test. If you take it, you will blow into a device that measures your breath alcohol level. They may ask you to perform a series of field sobriety tests such as walking in a straight line or following a light with your eyes.
You are legally allowed to refuse to take these tests. However, your license may be suspended if you do. Florida is an implied consent law state which means that by accepting a driver’s license, you are consenting to a breathalyzer test if it is deemed necessary by law enforcement.
Finding an Attorney
If you are charged with DUI, it is important to find a good lawyer to represent you. A professional criminal defense lawyer will have years of experience dealing with the courts. They will know what evidence is permissible in court and what evidence is not. They will understand plea bargaining and how to get you the best deal possible.
Getting pulled over is an upsetting experience and getting a ticket is a frightening and costly experience. Basic knowledge of the law and the right representation can make things go more smoothly for you.
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