Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) And DUIs - All You Need to Know

Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs is illegal in the US. Most states have a maximum Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit, and motorists who exceed this limit may receive harsh penalties. 

For most states except Utah, the legal limit is 0.08 percent BAC. Utah has its limit at 0.05 percent. While these laws may vary, generally, they are similar across all states. That said, below is everything you need to know about alcohol and DUI laws. 

BAC Effects on the Human Body

The Blood Alcohol Content is simply the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream. This figure depends on the amount of alcohol consumed within a given period. Obviously, drinking more alcohol within a short period will lead to a higher BAC. 

Alcohol affects the body’s emotions, concentration, and judgment, even when taken in small quantities. Here are some BAC levels and their corresponding effects:

• 0.02 percent - judgment is slightly impaired, and mood is affected
• 0.05 percent - muscle control and coordination are affected. Certain behaviors and emotions are exaggerated 
• 0.08 - Impaired perception and judgment lead to slower reaction time. Coordination is also affected 

Factors Affecting BAC

People have different reactions when it comes to alcohol. Hence, two people drinking equal amounts of alcohol may experience different feelings and even have different BACs. So, what brings about this difference? 

Below are some circumstances surrounding alcohol metabolism that create different BACs:

The Volume of Alcohol Consumed in a Given Time

A person’s BAC will increase if they take more than one standard drink every hour. Naturally, the body will metabolize one drink per hour; anything beyond this will undoubtedly increase your BAC.

Body Size and Composition

We are often shocked to see people with larger bodies become drunk slower than their smaller-bodied counterparts. This is because larger bodies contain more muscle tissue, which holds more water, thus allowing for greater dilution of alcohol concentration in the blood. While small bodies have less tissue and water, translating to higher alcohol concentration. 

Food Eaten

The general rule is never to take alcohol on an empty stomach. The presence of food in the stomach slows down alcohol absorption as it delays the time taken to reach the small intestine. Hence, a person who ate before drinking will have a lower BAC than one who did not. 

Effects of High BAC Levels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 11,654 fatalities from DUIs in 2020. This was 30 percent of the total traffic fatalities recorded in the US that year. 

Moreover, it was noted that vulnerable road users like motorcyclists were more likely to die from DUI-related accidents. 

Therefore, it is no surprise that individual states are imposing stricter laws and penalties for drivers caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Punishment varies depending on the concentration. 

Here is why: anything above 0.15 percent could significantly affect an individual’s behavior and judgment. In fact,  the NHTSA has revealed that nearly 67 percent of drunk driving accidents involve drivers with a BAC of 0.15 and above. See below:

• 0.15 percent - difficulty in balance, coordination, and decision-making
• 0.16 to 0.20 percent - dizziness, confusion, and sloppy movements
• 0.21 to 0.30 percent - blackouts, vomiting, difficulty in standing or walking, loss of pain sensation
• 0.31 to 0.40 percent - loss of consciousness, coma, and death as the lethal concentration of alcohol is almost surpassed 

DUI State Penalties

Highlighting penalties from a few states sheds light on the severity of the consequences.

Rhode Island: Varied penalties based on BAC levels, with higher concentrations leading to increased fines, jail time, community work, and license suspension.

Texas: A BAC higher than 0.15 percent is considered a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties equivalent to a second DWI, including fines, jail time, and license suspension.

Florida: Harsher punishments for DUI offenders with a BAC higher than 0.15 percent, including fines, extended jail time, license suspension, mandatory education, and an ignition interlock device.

Conclusion

"Navigating DUI charges requires a thorough understanding of the legal landscape. We strive to ensure that our clients receive fair treatment, taking into account the circumstances surrounding their case," says attorney Brian Leifert, a seasoned criminal defense attorney.

In conclusion, while DUI penalties are stringent, it's crucial to approach them with an understanding of legal rights. Criminal defense attorneys play a vital role in ensuring a fair legal process, highlighting the need for responsible choices, designated drivers, or alternative transportation to safeguard lives on the road.