There are few things worse to your freedom, reputation and community standing than receiving an arrest and/or conviction for driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But it happens. If you have been arrested for drugged or drunk driving, please read on, then contact an experienced Allegheny County DUI lawyer to learn more about some common DUI myths in Pennsylvania.
What are some myths about Pennsylvania DUI cases?
Some of the most pervasive myths surrounding driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence of alcohol are as follows:
- Breathalyzer devices are always accurate and reliable in a court of law: When operated and maintained properly, breathalyzers can accurately detect blood alcohol concentration levels in an individual’s body. However, the courts have recognized that these breath test devices have the possibility of errors. If the police officer who is to administer the test does not prepare it in accordance with state guidelines or misses a crucial step, then the results may be considered faulty and inadmissible.
- Standardized field sobriety test results are proof of intoxication: While the individual’s performance of a standardized field sobriety test may lead to an arrest, it is not scientific proof on its own that said individual is intoxicated. It may establish probable cause, but further, more advanced testing may dispute the officer’s determination.
- If your BAC is under 0.08%, you can’t be found guilty: If the prosecution can show, through evidence such as police observation and the contents of your vehicles, that having any alcohol in your system affected your driving ability, you may still be convicted.
- If you refuse a breath test, you can’t be charged with DUI: Pennsylvania is an implied consent state, meaning that if you are arrested for driving under the influence with probable cause, you automatically consent to take some sort of chemical test to determine your BAC. Furthermore, not only can you still face charges for a DUI, you may face separate penalties for refusing the breath test, even if you are acquitted of the underlying drunk driving charge.
Whatever the circumstances of your unique case, you would be well advised to reach out to George A. Heym, Esq. to discuss your next steps and plan a tailored defense. He is skilled in challenging DUI evidence in Pittsburgh and other aspects of defending against a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You can’t afford to go it alone, so please give us a call today.
Contact Our Pittsburgh DUI Lawyer
The Law Office of George Heym focuses exclusively on DUI defense. George Heym is a former Allegheny County DUI prosecutor with an understanding of both sides of a DUI case, notable litigation experience, and relationships with local courts. Contact our firm to fight for your rights.
