The Top DUI Myths in a Santa Rosa DUI Case
Counsel From A Skilled DUI Attorney
People are often confused by the scientific and legal processes involving driving under the influence. Between peoples’ misunderstandings and the complex laws surrounding DUI, many DUI myths have spread by word of mouth. My name is Joe Bisbiglia and as the founder of The Law Office of Joe Bisbiglia, I have concentrated a great deal of my practice on DUI defense, and below I will be debunking common DUI myths, some of which you may be familiar with.
It is my mission as a Santa Rosa DUI lawyer to enforce my clients’ rights under the Constitution and exercise their right to effective counsel during the criminal process. Having handled thousands of cases and numerous jury trials and as a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association , you can turn to my firm for hard-hitting DUI defense!
Common DUI Myths Exposed
Myth: People with a high tolerance can handle their alcohol.
Having a high tolerance is called “functional tolerance,” meaning a body has decreased its sensitivity to alcohol’s effects. While a person with a high tolerance will not seem as drunk as a person with no functional tolerance, it does not mean that their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is any lower.
Having a high tolerance is called “functional tolerance,” meaning a body has decreased its sensitivity to alcohol’s effects. While a person with a high tolerance will not seem as drunk as a person with no functional tolerance, it does not mean that their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is any lower.
Myth: It’s okay to drive under the influence of prescription medication.
Under VC § 23152 (e), it is against the law for a person who is under the influence of any drug to drive a vehicle. This means that if you drive under the influence of a prescription sleeping drug, or an anti-anxiety medication, or any other legal or illegal drug, you can be arrested for driving under the influence.
Myth: Alcohol affects men and women the same.
This is not true. Since women have less of the enzyme dehydrogenase, which breaks down alcohol in the stomach and contributes to a higher BAC, women are affected more than men drinking the same amount of alcohol. Other reasons why women can’t break down alcohol as well as men include hormone levels, having a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of water.
Myth: I can drink when I’m on medication.
People are often unaware of the effects of drinking while on medication. Medications such as anti-depressants should NEVER be mixed with alcohol. With anti-depressants, studies have proved that social drinking can cause severe drowsiness and impair driving, even hours after consuming just one alcoholic drink. Alcohol mixed with antihistamines (used in allergy medications) also cause severe drowsiness and increase the risks of an accident.
To learn more about California’s DUI laws and to discuss your DUI charges in a phone consultation , contact a Santa Rosa DUI attorney firm today!