Blood Alcohol Limits
In every U.S. state, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle if you're blood alcohol content (BAC) is higher than .08. Of course, the DUI laws in each state will differ, but in all states it is a crime to drive while under the influence of alcohol as well as drugs. Some states have set time frames in which people cannot reach or go above a set alcohol level. For instance, in some states you may have a .08 BAC, but you cannot drive within a certain number of hours with this level. However, no matter if the state law where you live says "while driving" or "at the time of driving" or provides a certain time period, the main fact is that no one should be driving while under the influence of alcohol, and that a BAC level above .08 will result in several offenses and possibly jail time.
DUI laws and DUI license suspensions
The legal alcohol limit set in many states within the U.S. is connected with the possibility of the person charged with a DUI to have their license suspended. A suspended license means that you are not able to drive a car for the amount of time set for you suspension. Those who risk driving on a suspended license risk going to jail or even having their license permanently suspended. If your BAC level is above .08, information is given to your state DMV, and they send out a license suspension if enough evidence is given. If your license is suspended, you have up to a month to opt for an administrative review hearing in which you can try to fight the test and have your license suspension revoked.
Multiple DUI charges at once
In many cases, if you are charged with DUI, you can also be charged with a DUI for being any kind of impaired, as well as a DUI charge for having a BAC of .08 or higher. While this seems unfair and puzzling, it is allowed, as multiple charges are often okay, just not multiple convictions. This is why it is so important to not drive with you are under the influence.
What does .08 mean for you, and everyone?
Basically, if your BAC level is above .08, prosecutors do not have to have any prove that you were driving carelessly or even in a way that would suggest that you were under the influence. If the prosecutors have enough solid evidence that your BAC level was at .08 or above, you are very likely to be found guilty. To get out of these guilty charges, you and your lawyer must somehow prove that the test performed was inaccurate or unreliable.
If you need another reason as to why you shouldn't drive impaired...
Because the number of alcohol related accidents is continuing to rise, more state governments as well as local governments are stepping up laws and hoping to make them stricter with even harsher punishments. If you know that you are impaired, or even if you plan to go drinking for the night, have an alternate way to get home. This way you are in no position to be charged with a DUI that you could have avoided. It's simple, don't drink and drive, as it puts your life, and other innocent lives around you at risk.
