Want to avoid getting arrested for DUI? It’s not as easy as many people assume.
The tricky part of DUI law is that there’s no hard-and-fast rule about how much each person can drink and drive to avoid getting hit with a DUI charge. That’s because each person is different, and there are so many factors that impact blood alcohol levels. A person’s weight, height, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, diet, current medications, and many other factors can affect blood alcohol levels.
So, as for the question at hand: If I have just one drink and drive, could I be charged with DUI?
The simple answer is yes.
Different drinks have varying amounts of alcohol. So if you have a shot of vodka and drive, for instance, that one drink likely could have been enough to put your alcohol level over the limit. Different people metabolize alcohol at different rates, so some people would have to wait an hour, others would have to wait two, to safely drive without being impaired after drinking a shot of vodka.
How about if it’s just one beer?
Even a beer, though, might be enough to set your blood alcohol level over .08%, the state of California’s blood alcohol level limit, particularly if you’re petite and haven’t eaten anything in awhile. If you take any medications, this may impact your body’s ability to metabolize the alcohol efficiently as well. There have been plenty of people who have just drank a bit of alcohol, took their regular daily medications, and then were surprised to be arrested for DUI.
Judging impairment can be rather subjective – so it’s best that if you have any doubt about whether you’re impaired or not, you hand your keys over to a friend or call a taxi.
What to do if you get arrested for DUI in Southern California
If you are arrested for DUI, your case isn’t hopeless. There are many effective ways to defend against DUI convictions.
After your arrest, contact Attorney Dan Chambers of the Chambers Law Firm as soon as possible. He’s Southern California’s most effective DUI defense attorney, and he’ll work hard to build a solid defense on your behalf as soon as you schedule your first initial consultation with him. Your first meeting with Attorney Chambers is free, so schedule yours now by calling 714-760-4088, emailing dchambers@clfca.com, or by using the chat box below.
