Image via Complex Original
These days, if you get convicted of driving under the influence, you will face a world of pain. You'll be dealing with huge fines, attorney fees, license suspension, and possibly even some prison time. With the homie Justin Blackmon getting arrested last weekend, we thought we would take the time to debunk a few popular myths about drunk driving. From sucking a penny to field sobriety tests, we cover it all. Stay safe out there!
10. Caught In The Act
The Myth: You can only be charged with DUI if you are caught behind the wheel of a car.
Complex Says: Nope, dead wrong. If a cop spots you acting drunk and knows that you were RECENTLY behind the wheel, you can still be arrested and charged with DUI. It sucks, but it's true.
9. It Won't Be Me
The Myth: If you're drunk and drive carefully, you won't get caught.
Complex Says: In 2011, 1.4 million people were arrested and charged with DUI. Checkpoints are popping up in small towns everywhere. Check yourself before you wreck yourself, son.
8. .08 or bust
The Myth: You cannot be charged with any alcohol-related offense if your BAC is below .08.
Complex Says: In some states, you may still be charged with driving impaired if your BAC is somewhere between .06 and .08. Slightly less embarrassing, but just as costly.
7. Shaky Technology
The Myth: The breathalyzer accurately measures blood alcohol content.
Complex Says: Blood alcohol content can only be measured by a blood test. The breathalyzer attempts to estimate these levels by measuring chemical content in the breath. Always ask for a blood test, if you feel you were cheated by a false positive reading.
6. Being Cooperative
The Myth: You must submit to everything the officer tells you to do.
Complex Says: You have rights! If you think you are drunk, don't take the field sobriety tests, shut the fuck up, and wait until your lawyer arrives. Remember, anything you say or do can be used against you in a court of law.
5. Forcing the Test
The Myth: You HAVE to participate in field sobriety tests
Complex Says: In reality, you don't have to participate in the field sobriety tests. Additionally, these tests are often unreliable and can lead to false positives. If you choose not participate, you will most likely be arrested, but at least you know that you have at least a few minutes to sober up in the backseat of the cruiser.
4. "Not a Sip, Officer"
The Myth: You are better off lying to police if you have been drinking.
Complex Says: If you are drunk and you lie about drinking, you can get hit with a charge of obstruction of justice. It's better to say that you have had one than none.
3. The Two Drink Rule
The Myth: If you only have two drinks, you can't get a DUI.
Complex Says: This is a tough one. For some, a couple drinks won't register on a breathalyzer. For others, however, two drinks will register as legally drunk. The only way to avoid a DUI is to NOT drink.
2. Passing the Test
The Myth: If you pass the field sobriety test, the cops will let you go.
Complex Says: You have to pass the other tests (breathalyzer, blood) for the cops to let you free. The field sobriety tests are just a ridiculous way for cops to make fun of you. Who can really touch their nose while reciting the alphabet backwards, anyway?
1. The Penny Suck
The Myth: Sucking on a penny will reduce your chances of failing a breathalyzer test
Complex Says: The air used for a breathalyzer test comes from deep within lungs - the cop will always tell you to "blow hard". Throwing a little copper in your mouth does nothing but show the officer you are really scared of getting busted.
