Seven Common Myths About Getting A DUI

For most people, being charged with driving under the influence (DUI) is one of their worst nightmares. In addition to the criminal penalties you face, you could end up losing your job as well. If you find yourself in this position and facing these charges, you will likely hear all kinds of advice about how to handle it and what the potential consequences could be. To clear up any misconceptions, the following are seven common myths about DUI in South Carolina.

Myth #1. You Can Fool a Breathalyzer Test

There are plenty of urban legends regarding how to fool a breathalyzer. Some recommend using menthol to hide the alcohol on your breath, while other recommend sucking on a penny or using shallow breathing to fool the machine. According to Snopes and our own experience, all of these are myths. However, we may be able to dispute the results by showing that the machine was defective or improperly administered.

Myth #2. You Must Take a Breathalyzer Test

While you risk an immediate license suspension for not taking a breathalyzer test, you will also be denying prosecutors valuable evidence against you in your case.

Myth #3. You Cannot Be Charged With DUI If You Only Had One or Two Drinks

Under the South Carolina Statutes, the legal breath or blood alcohol content level is .08 percent. While one or two drinks is not likely to raise your BAC to this level, alcohol affects everyone differently and you can still be charged if the officer feels you are visibly impaired.

Myth #4. If I Am Honest With the Police, They May Let Me Go

While the saying is that ‘honesty is the best policy’, this is not the case when dealing with police or prosecutors. Remember, you have the right to remain silent, and anything you say can be used against you.

Myth #5. A DUI From Another State Will Not Show up in South Carolina

Officers run reports and background checks on suspects charged with DUI, looking specifically for additional charges filed here or in other states. As a DUI remains on your permanent record, it will likely appear.

Myth #6. You Have Nothing to Lose by Driving on a DUI Suspended License

Along with additional and often heavy fines, if you are caught driving while your license is suspended you could end up having your privileges revoked completely while facing an automatic jail sentence.

Myth #7. Hiring a DUI Defense Attorney Is too Expensive

Considering the heavy fines and other penalties associated with a DUI, not having an experienced DUI attorney on your side is likely to cost you far more both immediately and in the long run.

Let Us Help You Today

At the Surasky Law Firm, LLC, we provide the aggressive legal representation needed when facing these types of charges. Before making any statements to law enforcement or accepting any plea agreements, contact our Aiken DUI defense attorney and request a consultation to discuss your case.