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Three Things You Should Know When You Are Pulled Over For A DUI But Only Had A Couple Of Drinks

Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, has a low limit in every state. Generally speaking, if you have more than a couple of drinks, you are likely over the legal limit. Of course, there are other factors involved, such as whether you ate food with your drinks because the food will slow the absorption of alcohol into your system. There is also the factor of time. The longer it has been since you drank, the lower your BAC will be. But if you have had more than a couple of drinks and you are pulled over in your car, there are a few things you should know.

Don't argue with the police officer

If you were pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence, the officer will be looking for the slightest confirmation that he or she was correct. The more you talk, the more likely they are to smell alcohol on your breath, regardless of how little you may have drank. When asked, you need to show them your license, registration and proof of insurance. Other than this, you may be asked how much you have had to drink. You don't have to lie, especially if you're not drunk.

Do not submit to a field sobriety test

At this point you may be asked to step out of the car. This will be for the purpose of a sobriety test. It will involve testing your balance and coordination. There is no benefit to agreeing to this test. It is not legally required, and the officer will be looking for the slightest sign that you may be drunk. If you haven't had much to drink, it is still possible to fail the test because the results are subjective

Think twice before submitting to a field breathalyzer test

If you are confident that you can blow an alcohol level that is below the legal limit, you may want to submit to the test, but if you're not sure, you can refuse to take the test and wait until you get to the police station. When you refuse to take the breathalyzer test, you will be arrested. But if you are slightly over the limit, the extra time that will elapse between your arrest and the test you will need to take at the station may be enough to drop your alcohol level to under the legal limit.

To a certain extent, everyone's tolerance for alcohol is different. So, it is possible that you may be able to drive after an extra drink better than other people, but you are still likely to be over the limit. You're taking a risk anytime you drink and drive, even with a single drink. If you find yourself pulled over after a couple of drinks, remember the information above, and always speak to a DUI attorney after your arrest.


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