Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious crime. If convicted, you can spend time in jail, pay expensive fines, and even lose your driver's license. You know that operating a vehicle after consuming too much alcohol or under the influence of drugs can get you into trouble. What you may not realize is that you do not even need to be driving the vehicle to get arrested for DUI. Here is what you need to know:
DUI for Sleeping in the Car
If you drank too much and do not feel comfortable driving, you may think that taking a quick nap in the car is the best thing you can do. However, you sleeping in your car while you are under the influence can still land you in trouble. If a police officer comes to your vehicle while you are sleeping, it may appear that you could potentially begin driving at some point while you are under the influence. It all hinges on the placement of your keys. If your keys are in the ignition, you are asleep in the front seat, and it appears you were either driving or about to drive, the officer may infer you had been driving and place you under arrest.
If you do need to take a nap before you start to drive, make sure the keys are not in the ignition. Place them in the glove compartment away from you. Lay down in the back seat and not in the driver's seat. Make it seem like you have no intention of driving right away. Of course, the best thing to do is have a friend drive you home or take a ride-share service.
DUI for Driving a Motorized Wheelchair or Scooter
If you ride in a power wheelchair or scooter, you may not think anything about having a drink or two. However, if you are operating your wheelchair or scooter on the sidewalks or in the street and you are under the influence, you could face a DUI charge. When you operate one of these vehicles while under the influence, you could hit another person or a vehicle, and you could also hurt yourself or hurt someone else. Try to not operate your scooter or wheelchair if you are going to be drinking alcohol.
If at any point you are going to partake in drinking alcohol, it is a good practice to avoid being around any type of moving vehicle or apparatus, even a bike. Either stay where you are or do not overindulge to avoid a DUI charge.
Contact a local law firm, such as the Law Offices of Jonathan Steele, to learn more.
Share3 January 2023
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