Intoxication and BAC
Using blood alcohol content (BAC) as the end all and be all of measuring intoxication can actually be quite misleading. It has been shown in numerous studies that two people of the same height and weight may have the same blood alcohol content level and yet still exhibit extremely different levels of intoxication.
If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving while intoxicated, contact Rhode Island DWI defense attorney Matthew Marin at 401-287-4384.
The Various Levels of Intoxication
For the aforementioned reasons, it is typically advised that you do not submit to a blood alcohol test if you have been stopped under the suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Although the law considers anything above .08% BAC to be intoxication per se, there are numerous levels of intoxication which may be experienced.
- “Buzzed” – BAC between .00 and .05: The typical euphoric sensations are felt, along with a slight decrease in motor skills.
- Slightly Intoxicated – BAC between .05 and .10: In this stage, the drinker will lose inhibitions and the ability to concentrate, and will experience a severe drop in motor skills and judgment.
- Fully Intoxicated – BAC between .10 and .20: In this area, the drinker will progressively lose their motor skills to the point of being almost dysfunctional. Speech will become slurred and driving ability is diminished.
- Extremely Intoxicated – BAC between .20 and .30: At this point, motor coordination is non-existent. Speech may be almost impossible to understand, and memory loss is extremely common.
- Deadly – BAC above .30: The drinker will likely pass out, black out, or even go into a coma. Alcohol poisoning readily occurs at this level of intoxication, and death is a very real possibility.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been arrested for driving while intoxicated, contact Rhode Island DWI defense attorney Matthew Marin at 401-287-4384.
