In California, driving with a blood alcohol level above a .08% is against the law. Most people do not know when they get to the .08% level, though. This article put forth guidelines to gauge what your approximate blood alcohol level is at at any given point. Of course, these factors vary depending on a person’s weight, if they are sick, taking medications, or drinking on an empty stomach.
Using the example of a person that weighs between 150 and 170 pounds, if a person drinks two drinks within an hour, they are likely between a .01% and a .04%. If they drink three drinks within an hour, they are likely at a .05% to a .07%. If they drink more than that, they are well over .08%. In this example, a drink is defined as a 1 1/2 ounce shot of liquor, a 5 ounce glass of wine or a 12 ounce glass of beer. To see other examples, click here.
The safest bet is to not drink and drive because even if you have less than a .08% blood alcohol level, you may still be pulled over for reckless driving or you may still cause an accident. Whether you live in Foothill Ranch, Yorba Linda or Lake Forest, if you are charged with a DUI, call an experienced DUI defense attorney to assist you.
If you want to know more about driving under the influence, or your own charges, call Orange County criminal defense attorney William Weinberg @ 949.474.8008 in his Irvine office.