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Important Information To Know About Blood Alcohol Content

Under Florida law, DUI is determined with an unlawful blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or above. With a BAC of .07-.09% you have reduced judgment and self-control and your caution, reasoning and memory are impaired. At this level, you will probably believe you are functioning better than you are. Of course, the effects of alcohol consumption are greatly influenced by individual variations among users. Some users may become intoxicated at a much lower BAC level depending on factors like body weight and food intake.

On this page, you’ll find information about the typical effects of alcohol at various concentrations in the body. If you have questions or want to discuss DUI charges, contact Janet E. Johnson, P.A., for a free initial consultation. Just call 904-820-3455.

Impairment Level And Expected Corresponding Effects

Here is what you might expect as BAC increases. Keep in mind that individual results may vary.

.02-.03% BAC: No loss of coordination, slight euphoria and loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not yet apparent. Mildly relaxed and maybe a bit lightheaded.

.04-.06% BAC: General feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions and a sensation of warmth. Euphoria and some minor impairment of reasoning and memory, lowering of caution. Your behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified. (Good emotions are better, bad emotions are getting worse.)

.07-.09% BAC: Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time and hearing. More euphoria. Judgment and self-control are reduced, and caution, reason and memory are impaired.

.08% BAC: This is legally impaired, and it is illegal to drive at this level. You will probably believe that you are functioning better than you really are.

0.10-0.125% BAC: Significant impairment of motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired.

.13-.15% BAC: Gross motor impairment and lack of complete physical control. Blurred vision and a major loss of balance. Euphoria is now reduced and dysphoria (anxiety, restlessness) is beginning to appear. Judgment and perception are now severely impaired.

.16-.19% BAC:  Anxiety predominates, and nausea may start to appear. The drinker has the appearance of a “sloppy drunk.”

.20% BAC: Felling dazed, confused or otherwise generally disoriented. May need help to stand up or walk. If you injure yourself you may not feel any pain. Some people experience nausea and vomiting at this level. The gag reflex is impaired, and you can choke if you do vomit. Blackouts are very likely at this level so you may not remember what has happened.

.25% BAC: All mental, physical and sensory functions are severely impaired. Increased risk of asphyxiation from choking on vomit and of seriously injuring yourself by falls or other accidents.

.30% BAC: Stupor. You have little comprehension of where you are. You may pass out suddenly and be difficult to awaken.

.35% BAC: Coma is possible. This is the level of surgical anesthesia.

.40% BAC and up: Onset of coma and possible death due to respiratory arrest.

Impairment can vary significantly depending on a person’s size, weight, gender, alcohol tolerance and a variety of other factors. Nonetheless, police and prosecutors place a great deal of importance on BAC, especially the “magic number” of .08%, as this is the legal threshold for DUI.

Don’t Wait To Seek Legal Help For Your DUI Charges – Contact The Firm Today

If you’ve been charged with DUI anywhere in Florida, contact Janet E. Johnson, P.A., to learn how the firm’s attorneys can help you. To schedule a free consultation, call the office in Jacksonville at 904-820-3455 or submit an online contact form.