Steps to Take If You Are Too Intoxicated to Drive
We all enjoy having a night out with friends, allowing us to relax from the hectic workday. Unfortunately, a night out with friends can prove deadly if you fail to take the proper precautions. If you are unsure if you are inebriated, watch out for signs of impairment. These may include slurred speech, coordination issues, or slowed reaction times.
If you find yourself too drunk to drive, there are steps that you can take to ensure your safety and the safety of everyone on the road. In this blog, our Nashville DUI attorneys provide our advice on what to do in this situation and the benefits of hiring legal counsel if you are charged with a DUI.
Appoint a Designated Driver
It is not uncommon for individuals to drink alcohol faster than their bodies can process it. In Tennessee, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater. For the average person, intoxication typically occurs after consuming three to four drinks.
If you plan to go out and have drinks with friends, co-workers, or family, you should appoint a designated driver so that you can safely get home. Planning ahead of time is always wise, but if you drink more than you initially anticipated, there is no shame in handing your keys over to a sober friend.
Call for a Taxi or Rideshare Service
If no sober driver is available, consider taking a cab home or using an Uber. Although you may be disinclined to cough up the fee for a taxi or rideshare service, it may just save your life.
Take Public Transportation
If you cannot afford a taxi or rideshare service, consider taking public transportation to get home. It is an inexpensive option for individuals who cannot spare the fare on a taxi or Uber. However, it requires some level of awareness. It is not the right choice if you are unable to maintain your balance while walking or are experiencing dissociation (feeling detached from your body).
Preventing Nashville DUI Charges
In 2023, 12,429 people died in DUI-related crashes. Given the danger posed by alcohol consumption, law enforcement is cracking down on the issue. Police officers are working harder than ever to pull over motorists who are exhibiting signs of impairment. If you decide to get behind the wheel after drinking and are pulled over, the officer may conduct a field sobriety test to determine your level of intoxication. You are allowed to refuse to participate in a sobriety test without any legal repercussions in the state of Tennessee.
However, if you do decline to participate, then you may be asked to take a blood, urine, or breath test (chemical testing). Chemical testing is mandatory in the Volunteer State, and you will have your license suspended if you refuse. If your BAC is above 0.08% or you are exhibiting signs of impairment, then you will be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. In Tennessee, potential punishments for a DUI include incarceration, steep fines, and license suspension or revocation. Aside from these penalties, a conviction on your record can prevent you from being able to find employment or adequate housing in the future.
If you are facing DUI charges, a Nashville criminal defense lawyer can evaluate the circumstances of your arrest and assess the charges against you. From there, an attorney will discuss your options. Even though you may think that representing yourself is saving money, in the end, a state prosecutor is less inclined to offer a plea bargain. There is no replacement for hiring an advocate who understands the law and holds the State accountable for any unlawful actions.
Speak with Our Nashville DUI Lawyers Today
A DUI charge can form a cloud of uncertainty over your present and future aspirations. If you or a family member is facing DUI charges, our legal team understands the stress you are under. At Andrew C. Beasley, PLLC, our Nashville DUI attorneys are dedicated to assisting defendants who have ended up on the wrong side of the law. Our lawyers are available to help you navigate the legal process and answer any of your questions or concerns. We take a personal interest in each case, no matter how big or small. To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, contact us online or by phone at (615) 846-9889 today.