DUI Limits in Florida

Florida laws limit the amount of alcohol that can be consumed before driving a motor vehicle. In Florida as in other states, the legal limit is 0.08%. Blood alcohol content (BAC) is the percent of alcohol that is present in the bloodstream. The NTSB (National Traffic Safety Board) is considering reducing the legal limit from 0.08% to 0.05%. If the law is revised, people must reduce the number of drinks they consume before driving. If you have been stopped for DUI you know the process that you will need to go through. First, you’ll likely be asked to perform some simple field sobriety tests such as walking a line, standing on one leg, or reciting the alphabet. If the police officer determines that you may have been drinking, he will ask you to submit to a BAC test.

BAC Testing

Blood alcohol testing is typically done either through a breathalyzer test or by testing blood or urine samples for blood alcohol content. If you do want to consume some drinks it’s best to limit your intake to a reasonable amount of alcohol to keep your BAC below the legal limit. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a rate of about a drink an hour. If you have a BAC level of 0.05% it means that you have 0.05 grams of alcohol for every 100 ml of blood. Many factors can affect your BAC level including your body size, your percentage of body fat, and whether you have eaten food recently. Drinking on an empty stomach will usually increase the effects of alcohol more quickly. Of course, the only sure way to know that you are under the limit is to abstain from consuming any alcoholic beverages.

How Much You Can Drink

There is no way to know with certainty that you are under the legal limit except by using a personal breath tester. These portable units are available for consumers to test their breath in order to get a BAC reading. Keep in mind that any such reading done by a breath test is not always accurate. The most accurate way to test for BAC levels is through a blood or urine test. Blood or urine samples will be extracted and tested. You can and should ask to have your own samples independently tested as well. This could help you when fighting DUI charges. Generally speaking, an average sized person may consume one glass of wine or one beer per hour to stay within the legal BAC level. Remember that everyone is different and you should never drive after having consumed alcohol.

Fighting DUI Charges

Many people are charged every year with DUI, driving under the influence. If you’ve been arrested for DUI you’ll want to hire an experienced DUI lawyer to handle your case. The consequences of a DUI conviction can be devastating so you’ll want to do everything possible to avoid a guilty charge. There are some ways to fight a DUI case. One of the best things you can do is to have your own BAC testing completed. You will need to pay for these costs yourself; however, there can often be discrepancies that your attorney can use to help fight DUI charges. Your lawyer will also be able to assist in the initial phases including helping you keep your license until the case is resolved in court. Because Florida uses the point system, points will be applied to your license if you are found guilty of DUI. Additionally, your insurance rates may increase. Speak to an attorney to learn more about how to resolve DUI charges.