Most people think as long as they stay under the legal limit (.08% BAC), they are fine to drive without risking arrest.
However, that's not always true. Here's what you need to remember:
The standard of a BAC level is a general guideline. You're legally unable to exceed the limit and operate a vehicle (no matter how you "feel"), but plenty of people can become dangerously impaired while staying under the legal limit. In many cases, a person who is under the legal limit will still exhibit poor judgement and reflexes when operating a vehicle.
Officers take your impairment into consideration, regardless of BAC. In fact, if you blow below .08%, but an officer finds you unfit to be behind the wheel, they can still arrest you for DUI. Researchers on law enforcement have seen an uptick in cases involving drunk drivers who were driving under the legal limit.
So If We Can't Trust BAC, How Do We Know When We're Safe?
Each person reacts differently under the effects of alcohol. Studies have shown that, for some people, even one drink can have a noticeable effect. On top of that, most drivers overestimate their ability to drive after having a few drinks. That results in far more drivers who think they're "fine" than ones who actually are. To help keep the roads safe, officers are taking a stronger stance against drunk driving that goes beyond chemical testing.
It is crucial to always used good judgment when deciding whether or not to drive. A DUI arrest wreaks havoc on your life, robbing you of the ability to drive to work, protect your professional reputation, and more. Besides the fact that getting a DUI on your record could threaten your livelihood and your ability to get into a good school, it's never been easier to simply get a ride home. Rideshare services make avoiding a DUI cheaper and easier than its ever been.
If you are charged for a drinking and driving even when you were under the legal limit, hiring a legal professional in your case may help your charges be reduced or dropped. The good news is that getting arrested under the legal limit gives you stronger grounds for defense in court. However, that defense is only useful in the right hands.
For help with your DUI arrest, call a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. They will start building your defense before the courts have a chance to build a case against you—getting you lower penalties or even a complete dismissal of the case. With the right moves now, you could have the entire arrest expunged in the future....but you need to start now.