Almost all of us have heard the word BAC used when discussing a DUI charge. But what does BAC mean? How does it even relate to a DUI charge? In this article, McClintock Law will explain what BAC is and how it affects someone suspected of a DUI.Â
Key Takeaways:
Every driver should know what BAC means and how it can affect a DUI/DWI charge.
- BAC stands for blood alcohol content, and it measures how intoxicated a driver is when pulled over for suspicion of DUI/DWI.
- In Illinois, a driver can face a DUI charge when their BAC level reaches 0.08.
- There are many repercussions for driving under the influence, and they can involve license suspension, fines, and jail time.
What Is BAC?
A driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is a measurement used by police to determine whether a driver is intoxicated. A driver’s BAC is affected by the alcohol that they have consumed. Different types of alcohol will affect a driver’s BAC more severely. For example, only 1.5 ounces of hard liquor will have the same effect on someone’s BAC as 12 ounces of beer. This is because hard liquors have a higher alcohol content that will more quickly affect a driver. Drivers should always be aware of what and how much alcohol they have consumed to avoid driving intoxicated.
BAC measures the amount of alcohol in a driver’s system based on a chemical test that uses a driver’s blood, urine, or breath. The most common test is a breath test that uses a breath analyzer. A breath analyzer is generally given by a police officer when they pull someone over for suspicion of driving under the influence. When a driver takes it, the police officer will be able to gauge the BAC level of the driver.
What Is The Legal Limit In Illinois?
A driver is considered “under the influence” when they no longer act normally because of mental or physical impairments caused by either alcohol or drugs. If they are driving while impaired they will face legal repercussions. An Illinois driver will be charged with driving under the influence if their BAC reaches 0.08. Drivers could still be charged with a DUI even with a BAC less than 0.08, the minimum is 0.05, if they are deemed to have impaired driving ability. Furthermore, the consequences for a driver who is stopped with a blood alcohol level above 0.16 become more severe. This is because of how mentally and physically impaired the driver will be when their BAC reaches 0.16. A good decision for anyone to make who has been drinking would be to designate a driver or other alternative to be transported after a night out.
What Happens When My BAC Is Above The Limit?
When a driver is physically or mentally impaired because of the alcohol or drugs consumed, they may be charged with a DUI. For a first-time offense, the driver could face license suspension, fines, and even jail time. The repercussions will only increase if a driver gets arrested for a DUI or DWI multiple times. These more severe repercussions could mean increased fines, community service hours, and a minimum time in jail. Additionally, if a driver’s BAC is above 0.16 or higher, the repercussions will be more severe.
At McClintock Law, we understand that everyone makes mistakes. We also understand that a person’s mistakes do not define who they are, and that’s why we’re dedicated to helping our community. If you ever find yourself in a difficult situation, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help. Call now for a free consultation. Our number is (309)715-7181.
