You’ve probably been involved with a situation where someone appeared to be unfit to drive, but that person kept insisting that he or she was ready and able to drive. “I know my body,” the person says, “and I’m totally fine to drive.” This happens all the time, and for the most part, people get away with it. But those that don’t get away may cause an accident or may get pulled over on the suspicion of drunk driving.

And then things could get really bad.

A drunk driving charge can absolutely ruin a person’s life. They may not be able to drive, directly affecting their ability to maintain or attain work. Their DUI may ward of potential employers or even potential living situations. And we haven’t even mentioned the penalties and consequences associated with a DUI, let alone any civil action a drunk driver may face in the wake of a DUI crash.

The point is, these are serious charges and serious situations. As such, you need to defend yourself and your rights, and the only way to do that is to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney.

Of course, the best defense against a drunk driving charge or conviction is to never get behind the wheel of a car when you are inebriated in the first place. “Knowing yourself” isn’t an excuse, and it’s very likely that, actually, you don’t know your exact biology when it comes to your blood alcohol level. Don’t trust apps that allow you to look up your hypothetical BAC, and don’t trust your gut. Just avoid driving if you have been drinking.

Source: Huffington Post, “DUI: No, We Really Don’t Know Ourselves!,” Saul Segan, May 16, 2014