For Texas drivers 21 years of age and older, the legal blood alcohol level (BAC) is 0.08. If a blood or breath test shows that you drove with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, you will likely be cited for DWI. However, you can also be cited for impaired driving, even if your blood alcohol level is lower or zero, if the officer believes you were impaired because you drank or used drugs (including some prescription and over-the-counter medications). And if you`re under 21, you can be cited for drunk driving if the officer believes you`ve been drinking alcohol – “zero tolerance.” Don`t let a faulty alcohol test cost you money or your freedom. Let our qualified and knowledgeable drunk driving lawyers know today and get the help you need to protect your legal rights. “After I was first arrested by DWI, I felt scared, lost and worst of all. I soon started asking around and reading reviews. Again and again, Mark Thiessen`s name was the main constant in every conversation or search. He himself called me back in less than 24 hours, arranged a consultation the next day, patiently answered all my outrageous questions, and gave me insight into how the process would play out. His knowledge of the legal system was amazing. – S.F. Keep reading this Houston DWI review.
A conviction for DWI can have serious negative and legal consequences. Yes, you will have to pay fines and spend time in jail (at least during the first arrest). But you can also have your license suspended, and DWI or DUI on your file can cause problems with college registration, job search, getting certified, buying a gun, and more. As you can see, there can be a big difference between perceived and actual legal alcohol limits in Texas. A blood alcohol level of 0.08% is the point at which a driver stops driving responsibly and is likely to put his life and the lives of others at risk by leaving the road, leaving the road, making illegal turns, driving erratically or dozing off the road. Learn all about the legal process and your legal rights. First, let`s explain the terminology. Blood alcohol level refers to the amount of alcohol in a person`s blood. For example, a blood alcohol level of 0.10 means that there are 0.10 grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood of that person. While it doesn`t sound like much alcohol, keep in mind that a blood alcohol level of 0.30 or higher could be fatal.
For more information, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has created charts that break down the approximate blood alcohol level into one hour for both men and women. For more details on penalties for driving a blood alcohol level above the legal alcohol limit in Texas, check out the following resources: If a police officer stops you for a DWI exam in Austin, you`ll likely be asked to blow into a breath test device they have on hand, such as a breathalyzer. You have the right to say no, and you probably should. These machines are less reliable, you think, and even traces of alcohol, like those found in kombucha or mouthwash, can trigger them. Is it legal to drive drunk in Texas? Surprisingly, Texas` legal alcohol limit for driving says yes. While we don`t recommend it as long as your blood alcohol level is below 0.08%, Texans who are non-commercial drivers and over 21 can technically go out after drinking. That is, it is not difficult to reach 0.08%. And you don`t even have to drive to get in trouble, because this man who paid $1,600 for a ride home Uber had to learn the hard way. Contact Carabin Shaw today for experienced representation in the legal matter of impaired driving.
Your first consultation is free, so email us today or call 210-222-2288. The legal drinking age in Texas is 21, so anyone under the age of 21 arrested for impaired driving also committed the additional offense of underage drinking. To assess whether you are using your skills normally, the police will try to take you to field sobriety tests. These tests are extremely demanding even when sober and often lead to arrests for impaired driving. For suggestions on what to do if you`ve been arrested after drinking, click here. One of the most common misconceptions starts with the blood alcohol level of 0.08, as this does not mean that your blood alcohol level is mathematically 8% or 0.08. If we were to calculate it mathematically instead, the percentage actually means 0.0008. To arrive at these figures, your blood alcohol level is calculated by dividing the number of milliliters of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. Simply put, it doesn`t take much alcohol to get someone drunk, within legal limits. Texas` drunk driving laws determine the alcohol content or blood concentration for a person to be arrested and charged with impaired driving.
Several factors affect alcohol intoxication and metabolism. How someone “feels” after drinking is never a good indicator of legal limits. Some people may drink excessively without feeling drunk, while others may feel the effects of a drink. In general, men and women metabolize alcohol differently. Men`s bodies contain higher concentrations of the enzyme dehydrogenase, which processes alcohol. Muscle mass, blood volume, genetics and weight can also affect absorption and metabolic rates. Blood alcohol levels come into play in a different way when the person has significantly more alcohol in their blood. If the arrested person`s blood alcohol level is 0.15% or higher, the charge against them is a Class A offense, which is also the charge for a second offense at the lower limit of 0.08%. It`s important to note that while in Texas it`s legal to consume alcohol before the age of 21 in the presence of a parent, driving a vehicle with alcohol is illegal in your system before the age of 21.
Most people reach a blood alcohol level of 0.08% when they drink between 2 and 3 drinks per hour. At 2 drinks per hour, you are probably impaired; With 3 drinks per hour, there is a very high risk of being legally intoxicated. However, at 1 drink per hour, adults weighing more than 100 pounds can drink about 1 drink per hour and continue driving. In addition to the strict .04 Texas legal driver`s license for CDL drivers, here are some other things you need to know: It`s also worth noting that not all drinks are created equal. For example, the average 12-ounce beer contains about 4.5% alcohol, while a 5-ounce glass of wine is closer to 12%. One dose of alcohol contains about 40% alcohol. But these vary widely – some beers have less alcohol, others have much more. If you`re at least 21, it`s not illegal to drive drunk in Texas, but it`s illegal to drink and drive over the legal limit. But what is the legal blood alcohol limit? Where is the limit? A quick internet search will show you that if your blood alcohol level is 0.08 or higher, you have exceeded the legal limit to drive or drive a motor vehicle.