Factors That Contribute to Driver Intoxication

 Posted on June 15, 2017 in DUI Defense

Most people are aware that likely know that the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for the average adult driver in the state of Illinois is 0.08 percent. But, what does that number represent? Is there a magic number of drinks that reaches the threshold, which consumers are forbidden to pass and then drive a car? Does it matter what the drink of choice is? While 0.08 is the one substantial factor, several others contribute to surpassing that limitation and possibly being charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

What Was in Your Glass?

This is where it pays to go to a reputable establishment to consume alcohol. Did you know that each beverage has a glass in which it should be served? Classifications break down into glasses made specifically for beer, wine, or spirits and further into each subclass. The idea behind specialized glasses ensures consumers not only enjoy the best taste of their beverages but are also not consuming too much without knowledge. By serving inappropriate amounts of alcohol per glass, a vendor may set their customers up for disaster. Consider that the following measurements are all equal to one standard drink:

• 12 fluid ounces of regular beer (approximately 5% alcohol);
• Eight or nine fluid ounces of malt liquor served in a 12-ounce glass (7% alcohol);
• Five fluid ounces of table wine served in the appropriate wine glass (12% alcohol); and
• One and a half ounces of distilled spirits, or about one “regular” shot (40% alcohol).

Other Factors

Although alcohol consumption is the basis of reaching a level of intoxication, many other factors can influence the severity of the impairment. The possibility exists that you may receive a citation without being legally drunk. If your BAC level is lower than 0.08, you may still be charged with a DUI if you present yourself as impaired. Alcohol affects each person differently, and its effects often depend on characteristics such as:

• Gender;
• Body size;
• Physical composition (muscle to body fat ratios);
• Mixers;
• Illness;
• Consumption of other substances;
• Mood;
• Hormones;
• Sleep or lack thereof;
• Food consumption; and
• Ethnicity.

Get the Answers You Need

If you have questions about charges of driving under the influence, your best source of information is to contact an experienced Chicago DUI defense attorney. Call 773-276-5541 for a free consultation with the skilled team at Luisi Legal Group today. Facing DUI charges can be intimidating but you do not need to go through it alone.  

Sources:

https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/what-standard-drink

https://www.bgsu.edu/recwell/wellness-connection/alcohol-education/factors-that-affect-intoxication.html