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Why do people misjudge their own intoxication? 

On Behalf of | Jan 20, 2025 | DWI Defense

In some cases, people who are arrested on DWI charges in Minnesota are surprised to learn they failed the breath test. They may admit to having had a drink or two, but they didn’t believe they were impaired or intoxicated. Most importantly, they didn’t expect their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to be 0.08% or higher.

This surprise may actually explain why they were arrested in the first place—they genuinely didn’t think they were too drunk to drive. Many people make a conscious decision before getting behind the wheel, believing they’re within the legal limit, only to later find out they were wrong. Why does this happen?

The problem with comparisons

One common issue is that people misjudge their level of intoxication because they compare themselves to others. They can’t objectively measure how impaired they are; they can only gauge how intoxicated they seem relative to those around them.

This means that the environment plays a significant role in their decision-making. For example, a college student at a party where everyone is binge drinking might feel relatively sober after just a few drinks because most others at the party are severely intoxicated.

However, if you placed that same student in the middle of a college class, with the same BAC, they might feel significantly impaired. In a quiet and controlled environment, surrounded by sober individuals, they would likely recognize that they shouldn’t drive. 

Understanding your options

If you are unexpectedly facing DWI charges, it’s important to recognize how serious the consequences can be for your future. Make sure you understand all your legal defense options to navigate this challenging situation.

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