Drunk driving charges in Kentucky come with the potential for serious penalties that can affect many different areas of your life. This includes time behind bars, expensive fines, higher insurance rates and more. Even if it is your first offense, it is in your interests to take your situation seriously, fighting for the best possible outcome to your case. You can begin taking steps to protect your interests as soon as possible after your arrest.
It may surprise you to learn that there are times a person could face DUI charges even if he or she did not consume alcohol. There are certain medical conditions that can cause the body to naturally make alcohol, impacting a person’s blood alcohol content reading. If you are an individual with one of these rare medical conditions, you could find yourself facing criminal charges, even if you have done nothing wrong.
The impact of auto brewery syndrome
Auto brewery syndrome is a medical condition, also called gut fermentation syndrome, that causes a person to naturally create alcohol from the conversion of carbohydrates. This means that a person could feel, act and think as if he or she is drunk, even without the consumption of alcohol. Law enforcement pulled one man over for driving erratically, and his BAC was more than two times the legal limit. He was not able to convince doctors or law enforcement that he had not been drinking.
The man later received an accurate diagnosis, but for most people with this type of condition, it is difficult to diagnose. This means that someone charged with a DUI may have an illness, yet he or she could still face criminal charges. If you have a medical condition that could impact your BAC, you will benefit from knowing how to protect your interests in the event you face a similar situation as this driver.
Fighting DUI charges
Regardless of the details of your individual situation, you have the right to fight back against drunk driving charges. Whether it is your first offense or you have previous convictions on your record, you will benefit from seeking knowledgeable counsel regarding your defense options. There is a lot at stake for you, but you can take steps that will allow you to shield your interests and seek the best possible outcome to your case.
