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Cleveland DUI Defense for Drunk Driving Charges
At HMW Law., we understand how overwhelming and nerve racking it can be to face OVI or DUI charges. Your driving privileges, freedom, finances, and other factors may be on the line. This is why it is so crucial that you work with a seasoned Cleveland OVI attorney throughout the duration of your case. When you come to our firm, we can help you understand alcohol absorption and elimination and how it may affect your charges.
Whether you are facing a first, second, or subsequent OVI/DUI offense, you need to start building your defense right away. The more you know about the absorption and elimination process, the easier it will be to craft a strong and strategic defense. Let our firm review your situation today and help you work towards building a case that will stand up against even the toughest prosecution!
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Many people try to figure out their personal “limit” when it comes to drinking, however, this can be different depending on the night, time of day, or even season of life. There are many factors that affect alcohol absorption and elimination, making it nearly impossible to always gauge your intoxication level. One night it may be two or three drinks, while the next night it could take just one to result in impairment.
The following factors will all play a part in your intoxication level, as well as your BAC:
- Amount of food in your stomach (as well as the time you ate)
- Rate at which you consumed the alcohol
- Your body weight and size
- Type of alcohol you consumed
When you consume alcohol, it is absorbed into your bloodstream, which is how BAC is measured. The amount that is in your bloodstream will depend on both how fast the alcohol is absorbed and how quickly it is eliminated. When your body begins to burn off or oxidize the alcohol, elimination will occur. The remaining alcohol will be excreted through your urine, perspiration, and breath.
If you drink quickly, your body will absorb the alcohol quickly, resulting in noticeable effects. On the other hand, if you drink several drinks over the course of a few hours, you may not feel the effects as strongly, but will still have a very high BAC. This means you could feel completely fine, but be pulled over by a police officer and told you are impaired under the law.
BAC & Legal Limit in Ohio
Intoxication varies for each individual. A person who considers him or herself to be a “heavyweight” type of drink may not feel the effects until after downing several drinks in a row. On the other hand, those who claim to be “lightweight” drinks can feel tipsy after only a sip.
There is no exact measurement to determine one’s level of intoxication versus another. However, Ohio law states that anyone whose blood-alcohol percentage (BAC) measures at or above 0.08%.
How Is BAC Calculated in Ohio?
A person’s level intoxication can depend on many factors, including the individual’s weight, if they have eaten, kidney function and the type of drinks consumed. To calculate one’s BAC level, if someone were to have a BAC of 0.20%, that would mean there is 1 part alcohol to 50 in his or her blood system.
Here is an approximation of one’s level of intoxication:
- 0.00 – 0.03%: No signs of impairment
- 0.03 – 0.06%: Lowered inhibitions, mild impairment
- 0.06 – 0.10%: “Buzzed” feelings, slight euphoria, impaired
- 0.10 – 0.20%: Poor reaction time, loss of motor control, slurred speech, clear signs of drunkenness
- 0.20 – 0.30%: Confusion and possibility of “blacking out.”
- 0.30 – 0.40%: Higher chance of becoming unconscious and risk of death
- 0.40% or above: Unconsciousness, possible coma, difficulty breathing, and risk of death
One drink would equate to one shot, one five-ounce glass of wine, or a 12-ounce beer. Your body will react differently to the number of drinks. The dangerous part about BAC measurements is that many people will continue to drive or other activities, despite not feeling “drunk.” That is until they are tested and are found to be over the limit.
Facing OVI/DUI charges? Act now by calling our firm!
OVI/DUI charges are amongst the criminal charges that can ruin your life and your reputation. If you believe you can argue your case and fight your charges through alcohol absorption and elimination evidence, you need to talk with Cleveland OVI defense attorneys right away. We can review your case and help you determine which facts can help strengthen your defense.
Get started today by giving us a call or filling out a free case evaluation form.
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