How your body reacts to alcohol

On Behalf of | Mar 26, 2023 | Criminal Defense |

Alabama law prohibits anyone from operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The legal blood alcohol limit is .08% for adults who are operating passenger vehicles. However, the legal limit is lower for people under the age of 21 as well as for those who possess a commercial driver’s license.

How long alcohol stays in your system

One drink will increase your blood alcohol content (BAC) by .02%. It will typically take your body about an hour to process that drink through your liver and out of your body. Therefore, an average person can have about four drinks before they reach or exceed the legal limit of .08%. Of course, there are several factors that influence this number such as your gender, weight and the presence of any health issues.

Everyone’s tolerance is different

State law allows a police officer to charge you with DUI even if your BAC is under the legal limit. This is because even a single drink could result in significant impairment to someone who is taking medication, drinks on an empty stomach or simply has a low tolerance. Ideally, you will have someone drive you home if you have consumed any amount of alcohol as you can’t be sure that your ability to operate a motor vehicle hasn’t been compromised.

If you are convicted of DUI, you may face jail time, a fine and other penalties. You may also have to pay a fee to get your license reinstated if it is suspended as part of your sentence. Furthermore, you may be required to have an ignition interlock device installed on your car as a condition of having your license reinstated.