Driving under the influence (DUI) charges are somewhat common in Georgia. Many people who generally follow the law could unintentionally violate drunk driving statutes. People may struggle to gauge how much alcohol affects their ability or how quickly they sober up after drinking.
Frequently, those facing DUI charges make mistakes because they believe inaccurate information about the charges that they face. The three myths below may result in some people making the wrong choices when accused of impaired driving.
Myth one: Breath tests are infallible
People put a lot of faith in modern forensic testing. In fact, even those who believe they were well under the legal limit sometimes plead guilty to DUI charges because they failed breath tests. People convince themselves that a bartender may have overpoured or that they counted wrong when the reality could be that the test provided inaccurate results. Those who suspect that a breath test may have produced artificially high results could be correct, as many factors can undermine the accuracy of breath tests.
Myth two: Guilty pleas are the best defense option
A surprising number of DUI defendants rush to enter guilty pleas. People who hope to avoid driver’s license suspensions or jail time might assume that pleading guilty is their best option. They expect the courts to limit the consequences imposed for a conviction because they cooperate with the state. A guilty plea does not eliminate the harshest penalties possible for a DUI offense. Those who enter guilty pleas are at the mercy of the courts. Judges have to hand down sentences that align with state law, and jail time could still be possible.
Myth three: DUI cases only relate to alcohol
Georgia does not technically have a separate criminal statute for drug-impaired driving. People face DUI charges for operating vehicles while under the influence of mind-altering substances. The state can bring DUI charges against those under the influence of prescription medication or even illegal drugs. The same base penalties apply regardless of the mind-altering substance involved. Unlike DUIs involving alcohol, street drugs and prescription medication do not have legal limits that influence the charges and penalties imposed.
Any driver accused of a DUI offense may need help planning a reasonable defense strategy. Those with the right support can limit the consequences they face and ideally avoid a conviction that could cause long-term consequences.