Your blood alcohol content (BAC) level measures the percentage of alcohol in your bloodstream, or “how drunk” you are while operating a motor vehicle. It is calculated using a breathalyzer, blood or urine tests, and it defines the offense of driving under the influence (DUI).
In Ohio, you are considered legally considered intoxicated if your BAC level is at or above 0.08%, even absent evidence of actual impairment. The limit is even lower for commercial drivers (including bus drivers) and those under 21 years. But does the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream matter when facing impaired driving charges in Ohio? Here is what you need to know.
Your BAC level may aggravate your charges
A high BAC level could make your drunk driving charges more serious. For instance, you could face aggravated DUI charges if your BAC level is 0.17 or higher. The penalties are more severe in such cases. You may have to spend time in jail, house arrest and complete a driver’s intervention program, among other legal sanctions.
Can you contest your BAC reading?
The good news is that blood alcohol tests are not infallible. From faulty breathalyzer devices to wrongly administered tests, you can challenge the validity of the accuracy of your BAC levels. However, it’s easier said than done.
While it all depends on the circumstances of your case, successfully contesting BAC levels in a drunk driving case requires an understanding of DUI laws and the legal technicalities involved.
Seeking an informed evaluation of your case for any potential errors or inconsistencies can determine if contesting your BAC is viable. If it’s not, you may have to approach things differently. Either way, the necessary guidance can significantly increase the chances of a desirable outcome.