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Misconceptions in a Riverside DUI

As long as my BAC is below .08% it is okay for me to drive.
The state of California’s legal limit for alcohol is .08%. Nowhere in California legislation does it say that if your BAC is lower than .08% it is totally okay for you to drive. This number is only one of the aspects of a DUI prosecution. A person can be convicted of DUI with a BAC of .01% if their case involves failure of sobriety tests, erratic driving, and clear signs of impairment.

Prescription drugs or medicines don’t count.
While it is legal to consume over-the-counter medicines and prescription drugs, it is not legal to drive under the influence of drugs. The legality of your drugs is irrelevant.

If I do not submit to a chemical sobriety test, they can’t convict me.
Although it is your right to refuse to submit to chemical sobriety tests, a “refusal” is a crime in the state of California as well as in many other states. A refusal will require 48 hours in jail and will be used by the prosecution as admittance of guilt. It is also an “enhanceable offense” that will be used to increase your punishment if a conviction is reached.

If my case is dismissed, my license will be reinstated.
Your criminal case is separate from any administrative action taken by the DMV. Legally, you have 10 calendar days to request a hearing with the DMV to maintain your license. Failure to request this hearing will result in a mandatory license suspension.

I don’t need to hire a lawyer.
While you are legally permitted to represent yourself in both your court and DMV cases, it is inadvisable to do so. A lawyer will have experience as well as the legal mind to deal with the specifics of your case and the particular processes in each distinct hearing.

Drunk driving laws only apply to automobiles.
Actually, drunk driving laws apply to any motor-run vehicle. You can be arrested for DUI while operating a boat (Boating Under the Influence) or any other motorized vehicle.