Common DUI Myths

As national efforts to reduce drunk driving accidents have increased in recent years, the number of distortions and outright falsifications regarding this crime have increased as well. The following list is meant to correct some of the most commonly held misconceptions regarding DUIs and DUI prosecution:

• Myth: Breathalyzers measure a person’s blood alcohol content (BAC).
• Fact: Breathalyzers measure the alcohol content of a person’s breath, which is then converted into an estimate of their BAC. This makes breathalyzers a potentially unreliable source for BAC calculation.

• Myth: Sucking on pennies can fool breathalyzer tests.
• Fact: This is completely untrue. Breathalyzer results are entirely unaffected by a person sucking on pennies or any other type of copper.

• Myth: If I follow the one drink an hour rule, I’ll be fine.
• Fact: The effects of alcohol on an individual can vary significantly between people based on a number of different factors. Even if you have only consumed one drink per hour and don’t feel impaired, your blood alcohol content may be above the legal limit.

• Myth: I wasn’t read my rights, so my DUI charge has to be dropped.
• Fact: A persistent myth in many criminal situations is that all of those who are arrested must be read their Miranda Rights. However, this only applies to individuals whom law enforcement officials plan to interrogate. If no interrogation is performed, it is unnecessary to explain these rights.

Contact Us

If you or someone you know has been arrested for DUI, it is important that you have strong legal representation in order to ensure that your rights and interests are fully protected. Contact Rhode Island DUI attorney James Powderly today at 401-662-9006 to discuss the details of your case with a qualified member of our legal team.