Maybe these preventive DUI defense measures seem a bit extreme to you. After all, if you're not drunk, why do you need to worry about being pulled over on suspicion of driving under the influence in Virginia? The truth is, that you can still be charged with a DUI even if you didn't do anything wrong.
Field Tests and False Positives in the Virginia DUI Defense
If you're pulled over, the police will use a number of field tests to determine whether you're drunk. Unfortunately, these tests are far from objective. The officer may not even know how to properly determine if you're drunk.
Officers watch you for signs like slurred speech or unsteady gait. However, these can be influenced by other factors, like your stress level or sense of balance. The police do not take such criteria into consideration when writing up DUI charges.
Even the breathalyzer, that mainstay of Virginia drunk driving charges, is actually very unreliable. Both the length and strength of your breath can affect the results. Many officers are unaware of this, and may urge you to blow harder, which can result in a false positive.
Avoiding Virginia Drunk Driving Charges
For these reasons, you should be very careful when driving at night. When an officer pulls you over, they may have already decided that you're guilty. That fact, combined with the inaccuracy of field tests, means that you can be charged with driving under the influence even if you are sober.
Remember that simply taking a few precautionary steps (like driving carefully and familiarizing yourself with the area) can make a big difference. The best Virginia DUI defense is to never get charged in the first place.
All that being said, bad things can happen. If you've been charged with driving under the influence, you should find a capable Virginia DUI lawyer as soon as it is possible.
If you have been arrested for DUI in Virginia, there is no time to waste! Contact Virginia DUI Lawyer Bob Battle to schedule your legal consultation today - 804-673-5600.
