Criminal DefenseDUIDUI EvidenceBlood Alcohol Content

Blood Alcohol Content and Drunk Driving

DUI Lawyer in Santa Barbara

Arrested for drunk driving in Santa Barbara? You probably have a lot of questions. An attorney from Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP can help you find the answers. The term “blood alcohol content” refers to the percentage of alcohol (by weight) found in your blood. BAC is usually cited in reference to drunk driving. For example: a BAC of .10% indicates that one tenth of your blood is, by volume, alcohol. Although alcohol affects everyone differently, the general level of impairment is directly related to your BAC.

BAC and Alcohol Impairment

Most adults do not feel the effects of alcohol impairment until their BAC reaches .03%. However, subtle effects can be detected through testing. Once your BAC reaches a certain level (about .03%), behavior and faculties may become impaired:

  • .03% – .059%: Once your BAC reaches this level, your ability to concentrate may be impaired. The average adult may feel a mild sense of euphoria as well. Other behavioral changes include talkativeness, a lack of inhibition, and relaxation.
  • .06% – .09%: At this point, your feelings may become blunted. Additionally, you may begin to feel extroverted show a general lack of restraint. Your reasoning, depth perception, and peripheral vision may be inhibited.
  • .10% – .19%: This level of impairment can be characterized by mood swings, overly expressive behavior, anger, sadness, and other strong emotions. Additionally, your reflexes, reaction time, motor skills, and speech may become impaired.
  • .20% – .29%: You may experience severe gross motor impairment, unconsciousness and memory blackouts once the body reaches this level of impairment. Other behavior changes include the inability to understand and stupor.

My BAC was less than the legal limit. Can is still face a DUI conviction?

Yes. You can be accused and convicted of drunk driving even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is less than the legal limit. In all fifty states, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08% or more. According to the California Vehicle Code § 23152(a), it is unlawful for a driver to operate a vehicle under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug. In other words, it is illegal to operate a vehicle if your ability to drive is impaired by a controlled substance – even if your BAC is less than .08%.

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Blood Alcohol Content Calculator

Your BAC is determined by a variety of different variables. Your weight, age, and alcohol tolerance all contribute to the level of your impairment. In the end, there is no way to know how alcohol will affect you in a given situation. Generally speaking, the number of drinks, your weight, and the amount of time you spend drinking determine your BAC level. For example: a 120 pound woman may not be able to drive legally after only two drinks. A 180 pound man could potentially drink twice as much alcohol before reaching the legal driving limit. As a general rule, the more time you spend drinking, the less your body will be affected. However, assigning a designated driver is always safer than trying to calculate whether or not you are safe to drive. If you suspect that your BAC may affect your ability to drive safely, protect your safety and your future and avoid getting behind the wheel of a car.

Arrested for drunk driving? We can help!

If you were arrested for drunk driving in Santa Barbara or the surrounding area, our DUI defense lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options. With more than 200 jury trial behind us, we have the skill and experience to help you get the case results you need. Contact us today!