Car accidents occur frequently, and many of these unfortunate incidents happen because of vehicle operators that drive under the influence of something, not just alcohol. There are so many things that can influence the mental and physical capacity of an individual, such as illegal drugs and also prescription medications. DUI or drunk driving is a serious offense. Those who are charged with DUIs are individuals who exceed the legal alcohol limit, which is 0.08% blood alcohol content (BAC). BAC measures the level of alcohol intoxication, and this could slightly vary from state to state. In case you or a loved is charged with DUI, you will most likely need the help of an expert DUI lawyer since punishments and penalties are pretty serious. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to cooperate with authorities to avoid aggravating your case.
What Aggravates DUI Charges?
1. Refusing Sobriety Tests
There are several types of sobriety tests used to measure drivers’ level of intoxication. BAC is usually tested using breath devices, blood examinations, as well as urine analysis. Other sobriety tests that can be done in the field include the following:
– Standing on One Leg Test
A person is requested to stand on one leg, which means that he should be able to lift one of his legs a few inches from the ground. A sober individual will have no problem doing this. But someone who is inebriated will easily lose balance or sway. In addition to pretty obvious movements, involuntary muscle twitching or tremors are examined too, such as quavering of the body or eyelids.
– Walk and Turn Test
You must have already seen this type of test being done on reality TV cop shows. Here, a person is asked to walk 9 steps, making sure that the heel touches the toe on each step. The individual is requested to take 9 steps forward, turn, and then walk 9 steps back. This seems pretty easy enough, but it’s a huge challenge to anyone who has had a few drinks. Smashed people who take this test could lose balance, be unable to walk heel to toe, or fail to walk a straight line.
Other tests include: Finger to Nose Test, Rhomberg Balance Test, or test for nystagmus or eyeball jerking.
2. Drunk Driving with Passengers
Stiffer punishments and penalties await those who are caught drunk driving with passengers. Punishments are more severe if passengers are minors or very young, specifically below 12 years of age.
3. Driving Improperly
A person will make his DUI charge worse if he drives improperly. This pertains to driving in the opposite direction of a one-way road or driving above the speed limit. Running red lights, overtaking other drivers, or displaying
offensive road behavior can all worsen a DUI charge. Improper driving can lead to more serious road mishaps, and punishment is more brutal if there’s property damage or if other individuals are also hurt. Many intoxicated drivers who drive poorly also cause road traffic accidents that take the lives of many.
Citations:
Claire Brown is a freelance writer who blogs about car accidents and other personal injury cases. She also writes for
Bail Bonds Direct, a company that provides help to those who need to be bailed out.