When a person receives a DUI charge, most people think it means the individual was blowing a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08% or more. However, is it still possible to be arrested if the driver blows under the legal BAC limit? Let’s delve a little deeper into this question.
The simple answer is yes, even if they blow below the legal limit, a driver can be arrested for a DUI. That assertion is focused on the Florida law that says DUIs comprise more than just a 0.08 percent BAC in some cases.
According to Florida law, a person is guilty of a DUI if they are under the influence of alcoholic beverages and they are affected to the degree that the usual abilities of the person are impaired. Hence, this has little to do with a driver’s BAC and more to do with the driver’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Consequently, if someone is intoxicated to the extent that they have trouble controlling a motor vehicle, there is the possibility of a DUI arrest.
It makes DUI offenses extremely subjective, regrettably, as the cop who pulls the driver over is the one who determines whether or not the driver is committing a DUI. This means officers are entitled to subjectively arrest people if they believe they are intoxicated to the point of being a danger to themselves or others.
This update is brought to you by the Miami traffic attorney team of Hochman & Goldin, P.A. We can assist you with criminal traffic violations and are ready to answer your questions. Please call 305-665-1000 to speak with a red light camera violation attorney today.
This information is provided for educational or informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice.
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