Drunk driving is a very serious charge that many people have to face. Now that the holidays are here, the last thing you need is to have to deal with the criminal justice system. With that in mind, it is important for you to be sure that you avoid driving if you have been drinking. If you do get pulled over because a police officer thinks you are drunk, the officer will work to determine your blood alcohol concentration. Understanding BAC is vital in drunk driving cases.
How is BAC measured?
Blood alcohol concentration is measured using a breath test, urine sample or blood test. These tests measure the amount of alcohol in the sample in grams per deciliter. The result is a percentage that is written in a specific manner. For example, the legal limit for BAC is .08 percent. A BAC at or above that amount can lead to drunk driving charges.
How does drinking alcohol affect BAC?
Some people think that the type of alcohol matters when it comes to BAC. That is partially true because the amount of alcohol in the drink is important. A 12-ounce beer contains approximately 1 ounce of alcohol, which is the same amount of alcohol in one shot of distilled liquor. The number of drinks you consume, your weight and other factors can all impact your BAC.
Your BAC is one aspect of the case against you that might be able to be challenged as part of your defense. You should consider this point, as well as others, when you are trying to determine how to fight against the charges.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “The ABCs of BAC,” accessed Nov. 24, 2016