When confronted with the prospect of driving after drinking, many people turn to supposed quick sobering methods like showering or drinking coffee. Do these “tricks” actually work? Can they help you avoid a DUI charge?
The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Florida is 0.08%. Neither cold showers nor coffee can lower your BAC fast enough to prevent a DUI.
Only time can lower your BAC
Showers or coffee will likely not work in avoiding a DUI for several reasons:
- Cold showers might make you feel more alert, but they do not affect your BAC.
- Coffee can make you feel more awake, but it does not speed up alcohol metabolism.
- Your liver processes alcohol at a fixed rate, roughly one standard drink per hour.
- Neither method can fool a breathalyzer or blood test.
Florida law focuses on your BAC at the time of driving, not on how “sober” you feel. Even if your BAC is below the legal limit, you may still encounter DUI charges if an officer detects signs of impairment in your normal faculties when they pull you over.
Other common myths about avoiding DUIs include eating food to absorb alcohol, chewing gum or mints to mask alcohol breath or exercising to “sweat out” the alcohol. None of these methods can effectively lower your BAC or prevent a DUI charge.
Secure a more solid defense
While relying on quick fixes might seem appealing, they are typically incapable of protecting you from the potential legal repercussions of a DUI conviction, including fines, imprisonment and a criminal record.
Working with a criminal defense lawyer in Florida is often the ideal approach to challenging a DUI charge. Your attorney can help you establish a legitimate defense strategy to achieve your legal goals.