Could You Be Arrested For Drinking Too Much Coffee In Iowa?

Why I Don't Drink Coffee (And Why It Might Be a Good Thing)

If you love having your cup o' joe in the morning, you might want to keep this in mind.

This is going to shock some people, but I don't drink coffee. I know! What self-respecting grown adult doesn't enjoy a brew first thing in the morning?

Me! That's who!

I just hate the taste and smell of the stuff. Sure, it's an acquired taste, but I don't see it really ever growing on me. To top it all off, I don't drink that much caffeine either!

If I'm going on a long road trip, I might pick up an energy drink at a Casey's or Kwik Star. Otherwise, it's mainly water for me.

Dang! I sound pretty boring, don't I?!?

Well, it's a good thing that I don't drink coffee because if I did, there could possibly be a chance of me getting arrested!

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Can Caffeine Get You Arrested in Iowa? The Surprising Truth About Driving Under the Influence

Let me explain...

In a report from the Sun, a Texas lawyer shared how driving while under the influence doesn't always mean that someone was consuming alcohol.

"It can be alcohol, it can be drugs, or any other substance including caffeine."

Caffeine?!? We all know that being drunk behind the wheel is incredibly dangerous, but coffee?!?

So, if I have one too many Redbulls before a drive back home to Pennsylvania to visit my parents, then I could face serious legal ramifications?!?

The lawyer in this YouTube Short explains this a bit deeper.

"Let's be honest, we don't see that happen..." the Texas lawyer says.

"But it's a good example! It can be any other substance!"

What You Need to Know About Iowa’s OWI Laws

Here in Iowa, you are considered legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent or higher.

According to the Iowa Code Section 321J.2, you can be convicted of an OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) if you are driving when your BAC is at that 0.08 percent.

The official definition of an OWI is the "operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of the two," according to legal experts.

The Risks of Driving with Too Much Caffeine in Your System in Iowa

In addition, you can be charged with an OWI if you are operating, "a motor-vehicle while any amount of a controlled substance is present in the person, as measured in the person’s blood or urine."

Depending on just how severe the incident was or how many times you've committed the offense, an OWI can result in you facing some severe federal charges in Iowa.

First-Time OWI Offense in Iowa

• Serious misdemeanor
• Max sentence of one year in jail
• $1,250.00 fine

What Happens After a Second OWI Offense in Iowa?

• Aggravated misdemeanor
• Max sentence of two years in prison
  • Offenders MUST serve at least seven days in jail
•  $1,875 to $6,250 fine

Third and Subsequent OWI Offenses in Iowa

•  Class D felony
• Max sentence of five years in prison
  • Offenders MUST serve at least thirty days in jail
• $3,125 to $9,375 fine

Can You Get Arrested in Iowa for Drinking Too Much Coffee?

So technically, there is nothing specifically mentioned about driving with way too much coffee in your system. Either way though, make sure to drive safely and responsibly.

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