Colorado DWAI/DUI Blood Alcohol Content (Blood Alcohol Concentration)
What does "BAC" mean?
Blood alcohol content, or "BAC," simply refers to the amount (or concentration) of alcohol found in one's bloodstream. In Colorado, this is stated by a percentage by weight of blood.
A person's BAC level directly relates to that person's own anatomy. Therefore, there are many factors that can contribute to any particular motorist's Colorado BAC reading. Body weight, gender, body fat percentage, food eaten, and time of alcohol consumption can all affect a person's BAC level.
Colorado DUI / DWAI police officers most often use various infrared light absorption machines (commonly called "breathalyzers" by the public) to determine a person's BAC level based on breath. BAC can also be obtained by drawing a sample of blood from the motorist and submitting the blood sample to a laboratory to test the blood. Most laboratories use processes such as gas chromatography and headspace gas chromatography to measure the alcohol contained in such blood samples. Each of these methods has strengths and weaknesses associated with its process. Your Colorado DUI / DWAI lawyer has resources to evaluate the specific testing done in your case.
Blood Alcohol Percentages in Colorado
For purposes of Colorado law enforcement, BAC is used to define whether a person's ability to drive was "impaired" or "under the influence." In the State of Colorado, a person who is 21 years of age or older may not operate a motor vehicle with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher by law. A BAC of at least 0.08% will establish a presumption that the motorist was driving under the influence (DUI), while a BAC of at least 0.05% but less than 0.08%, will infer that the motorist was driving while ability was impaired (DWAI). If a motorist has a BAC of less than 0.05%, it is presumed that the motorist was not impaired by the consumption of alcohol. However, Colorado motorists less than the age of 21 years have more strict regulations of their blood alcohol content.
The Colorado DUI / DWAI attorney's at the O'Malley Law Office, P.C. are familiar with BAC testing and procedures, and how to defend clients from presumed impairment BAC levels. Our attorneys frequently study BAC testing, procedures, and regulations. We are ready to put that advantage to work for you, so contact us to set an appointment for a free initial consultation. The government will have an experienced attorney on their side, shouldn't you?
