The BAC in an operating under the influence, driving while intoxicated becomes perhaps the most crucial factor of all. The states including Connecticut have, over the years, lowered the threshold the minimum requirements to impose an operating under the influence charge. Currently, it’s 0.08. Several years ago, it was 0.1. There’s even a trend in moving it not to lower from the current 0.08. So, what does that mean for you? It means that if an officer says to you “I’d like you to take a Breathalyzer test,” or “I’d like you to provide a urine sample,” or in less likely a scenario, blood is drawn and analyzed. In each instance, chemical analysis would be done, and if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08 or higher, you’re going to be charged with operating under the influence and there are severe consequences of that. Now, some people say “Well, how many drinks can you have before you hit that magic number?” There is no direct answer to that question because frankly, it depends on the individual. Body weight has a lot to do it. Whether you have food in your stomach when you’re consuming the alcohol, how long drinks are spaced between – it is one every hour or is it three within an hour, it makes a difference. So there’s no standard answer to that. Rule of thumb: If you have more than three drinks in an hour, you’re probably pushing it and you’re likely to find yourself exceeding the BAC.
This informational blog post was brought to you by Marc N. Needelman, an experienced Hartford, Connecticut DUI and DWI Lawyer.