A person can violate the DUI law in three ways:
1) by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (whether prescription drugs or illegal drugs);
2) by driving with .080 or more blood alcohol level:
3) providing a breath or blood sample within two hours of driving which shows a .080 or more blood alcohol level.
You may not have realized that a DUI can be issued and a DUI arrest made for prescription medication. Most people think, in fact it is commonly believed that a DUI can only be issued when the officer believes that you have consumed alcohol or illegal drugs in excess of the legal limits. As mentioned earlier, this is not the case. Any substance, even prescription medication, which can render you incapable of safely operating a motor vehicle, can be the reason for you facing a DUI arrest and DUI charges.
When a police officer pulls a car over on suspicion of DUI, he may ask for ordinary credentials, including license and registration. The officer may ask the person to step out of the car and perform one of several field sobriety tests (FSTs). These are quick exercises for the driver, intended to indicate whether or not he/she is intoxicated. Even if an FST is not performed, the officer is likely to perform a chemical test, which more accurately indicates sobriety or insobriety. A breathalyzer may be used at the initial traffic stop, or the suspect may be taken back to the station for a blood or urine test.
In Georgia driving with blood alcohol content of .08 or above is considered under driving influence. The permitted level for minor drivers is .02. For commercial drivers, the limit is .04. Anyone with a blood alcohol level of .15 or more may be subject to higher penalties.
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Athens GA DUI Lawyer – Athens Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney
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