How is Bac Determined?
Blood alcohol concentration, or BAC, is the metric used to measure the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream at a given time. This alcohol content can be determined by testing the person’s breath, blood, urine, or saliva, with breath testing being the most common method of testing as practiced by law enforcement.
Factors That Influence BAC
BAC can be difficult to estimate since several factors can affect the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream. Significant elements of BAC are
- the number of drinks consumed
- the length of time in which they were consumed
- a person’s weight
- the type of drinks consumed & whether food was consumed at the same time
- alcohol tolerance
It should be noted that medications will not impact your BAC, but if taken with alcohol may impair your driving.
It is nearly impossible to determine your BAC without having yourself tested, and if you are stopped by law enforcement and tested, you can be arrested if your BAC is 0.08% or higher. For this reason, if you choose to drink, you should refrain from driving yourself anywhere for at least an hour or two.
In the event that you are stopped and charged with DUI, an attorney can challenge the BAC results of the breathalyzer used in your traffic stop to have your charges dropped.
If you or a loved one have been arrested, The Law Office of Thomas C. Thomasian, Esq. can work to contest your arrest and protect you from a conviction. Contact us today.