Understanding BAC Levels and How They Affect a DUI

 Posted on May 09, 2025 in DUI

Blood alcohol content, or BAC, is the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood after they have consumed alcoholic beverages. Every state in the United States except Utah has set a BAC of 0.08 percent as the legal limit. (In Utah, the limit is 0.05 percent.) Most states also set a legal limit of 0.04 percent for those with CDL licenses.

For those under the age of 21, the BAC limit could be 0.02 percent, although some states have a "zero tolerance" for underage drivers who consume alcohol. This means any level of alcohol in the minor’s system can result in DUI charges. Being charged with DUI can have a number of negative consequences.

You could potentially end up in jail, pay extremely high fines and fees, lose your driving privileges, lose your job, or be unable to obtain employment or be unable to obtain a professional license you have worked for. If you are facing DUI charges, it is in your best interests to contact an experienced Rolling Meadows, IL DUI attorney.

How Does BAC Measurement Work?

Beer, wine, and hard liquor have an intoxicating ingredient known as alcohol. When a person drinks alcohol, it is absorbed by the small intestines and stomach and then enters the bloodstream, where the liver filters the alcohol from the blood.  

The amount of alcohol in a person’s blood can vary by the amount of alcohol, how quickly the individual drank the alcohol, how much food was eaten prior to drinking, the age, weight, and gender of the individual, along with illnesses, prescription medications, the use of mouthwash, and even a person’s profession. (Painters and those exposed to lacquer, paint thinner, adhesives, etc.).

What Do Different Blood Alcohol Levels Indicate?

While every person is different, the following is how different percentages of BAC can affect you physically and mentally.  A person who regularly consumes alcohol will have fewer adverse reactions in general than a person who rarely consumes alcohol.

• A BAC of 0.02 percent usually results in a minimal loss of judgment, relaxation, or an altered mood status. People who rarely drink may be more relaxed or happier, while people who drink often may see no measurable effect at this level.  
• A BAC of 0.05 percent can start to lower inhibitions, increase judgment impairment, and result in less alertness or attention to detail overall.
• A BAC of 0.08 percent results in loss of muscle coordination, judgment impairment, lack of ability to reason, and difficulty in detecting a dangerous or risky situation.
• A BAC of 0.10 percent is when others notice the individual slurring his or her words, the person’s ability to think and reason becomes more difficult, and reaction times are reduced.
• For anyone other than those who are chronic drinkers and have built up a tolerance, a BAC of 0.15 percent usually results in nausea and vomiting, altered mood, usually either happy and euphoric, extremely sad or mean, and a loss of muscle control and balance.
• A BAC of 0.15 percent to 0.30 percent usually causes vomiting, drowsiness, confusion, and virtually no reaction time or balance.
• A BAC of 0.30 percent to 0.40 percent is dangerous for most people. This is the level that can be considered alcohol poisoning, causing a loss of consciousness and a life-threatening condition.
• A BAC over 0.40 is potentially fatal, causing a significant risk of coma and death due to respiratory arrest – the individual simply stops breathing.

Contact an Arlington Heights, IL DUI Lawyer

If you are facing DUI charges, do not wait, hoping they will resolve on their own – they will not. Call a knowledgeable Rolling Meadows DUI attorney from Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law to discuss your charges. Attorney Anderson has over 25 years of experience practicing law as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense lawyer. He has a solid understanding of what you are up against and will work hard on your behalf for the best outcome possible. To schedule your free consultation, call 847-253-3400.