How Peak Alcohol Levels Affect DUI Cases

Let Our Paulding County DUI Attorney Protect Your Rights

Peak alcohol level refers to the point at which the amount of alcohol in a person's blood stream is at its highest after consuming a drink. In other words, it is the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) that can result from the alcoholic beverage(s) the person drinks. If you are facing a DUI charge, it is important to hire an experienced Paulding County criminal defense lawyer who understands these terms thoroughly and how they influence the court's decisions.

At Henrickson & Sereebutra, our DUI lawyers in Paulding County have acquired certification from the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration for DUI detection and standardized field sobriety testing. They can use this training to create a solid defense for your case.

What to Know About Peak Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels

According to the National Institutes of Health, the greatest BAC hits 45 to 90 minutes after consuming alcohol. This is also when the effects of the alcohol will be at their highest. It is important to note, however, that factors such as eating, body weight, and gender affect alcohol absorption. For example, women do not produce as much of a natural enzyme that breaks down alcohol, so they tend to experience the effects of alcohol more and for longer than men.

Also, if a person has recently consumed a large meal, he or she will not absorb alcohol as quickly as a person who drinks on an empty stomach. Because of the variability in absorption rates, people who believe they are keeping pace with their friends may think they are less impaired than they actually are. Such a misunderstanding can lead a person to operate a vehicle without realizing he or she is above the legal limit.

You Need Experienced Legal Counsel on Your Side

A person's BAC will keep rising even after he or she has stopped drinking if the body is still in the absorption phase. So if you were stopped by law enforcement for suspected DUI and not tested right away, it is possible you were not above the legal limit when you were actually driving your car. This factor and many others are important considerations for any DUI defense case. Our legal team will look into these possibilities and help you fight the charges using rock-solid scientific principles.

Contact our office today to get started.