Driver Caught Speeding, Blows .273, Three Times the Legal Limit

The Charges

Officers initiated a traffic stopped after our Client was observed swerving and speeding. When the Officer made contact with the Driver, he noticed a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his facial area, as well as the Driver’s inability to walk without stumbling. The Driver agreed to undergo the field sobriety exercises, in which he performed poorly. The Driver then submitted to a breathalyzer test, which resulted in him blowing .267% and .273%, which are over three times the legal limit.

Blood Alcohol Content Levels

Blood alcohol content (BAC) levels are the percentage that your blood is concentrated with alcohol. A .15% BAC means that the blood in your body is composed of .15% alcohol.  

The following information will help to better explain blood alcohol content levels:

• .020 - Some effects are felt by light to moderate drinkers 
• .040 - Most people begin to loosen up and feel a bit relaxed
• .060 - Judgment is usually impaired somewhat. Mild impairments will include slurred speech, sleepiness, memory or coordination issues
• 080 - Definite impairment of muscle coordination and driving skills. This is the legal intoxication level in almost all of the states
• .100 - Clear deterioration of reaction time and control is developed. This is considered to be legally drunk in all states.
• .120 - Vomiting typically occurs at this level
• .150 - Balance and movement are impaired greatly. This level is the equivalent of a 1/2 pint of whiskey circulating in the bloodstream
• .200 - Most people will experience blackouts
• .300 - Many people start to lose consciousness. Life-threatening alcohol poisoning can begin to occur
• .400 - Most people start to lose consciousness and some will die
• .450 - Breathing will stop. For most people, this is a fatal dose of alcohol 

Many often wonder how many drinks they can have before reaching the legal limit of being considered drunk. There is not a magical number on this. There are calculators that give rough estimates, but these are not always accurate. Here are a few numbers that have been generated by these calculators:

• A female that weighs 140 pounds that has drunk four 6-ounce glasses of wine in 6 hours will have a BAC of .0974%.
• A male that weighs 180 pounds that have been drinking six 12-ounce beers in 6 hours will have a BAC of .0568%.
• A female that weighs 120 pounds that have been drinking five 1.25 ounces of 30 proof spirits in 4 hours will have a BAC of .0182%.

As you can see, the numbers vary greatly depending on gender, amounts, specific types, and the time-frame. The best advice that one should stand behind is to not drink and drive, in order to avoid issues. 

Musca Law Firm Services

If you have been pulled over for suspected drinking and driving and are charged with a DUI, you will need to hire an attorney to represent you in court. At Musca Law Firm, we have successfully handled many DUI cases. We believe in our clients and will put forth a strong defense on your behalf. We are willing to negotiate with the prosecution and will be as aggressive as we need to be to lower or dismiss your charges. Please call us today at (888) 484-5057 for a free initial case consultation with one of our experienced attorneys. 


RESULT: Although properly subpoenaed, the arresting officer failed to attend the hearing and failed to provide the hearing officer with just cause for his failure to appear. LICENSE REINSTATED!