Despite concerted efforts by government agencies and private advocacy groups to warn about the dangers of drinking and driving, drunk driving crashes kill an average of 37 people each day throughout the U.S.  Like other states, Nevada has enacted laws aimed at preventing motorists from driving while under the influence and punishing those who do drive while under the influence. If you are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Las Vegas, you should understand the importance of your blood alcohol level for DUI.

What Does Your Blood Alcohol Content Level Mean?

During a traffic stop, a law enforcement officer may find that there is probable cause to arrest the motorist on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). Once the individual arrives at the jail or station, they may be asked to perform a chemical breath test to check for the presence of alcohol in their system. If the test is positive, the results will provide a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) number which refers to the percentage of alcohol in the individual’s blood. For example, a BAC of 0.10 percent means that an individual’s blood supply contains one part alcohol for every 1000 parts blood. A BAC level can also be ascertained through a blood draw; however, because that is a more invasive method of testing for BAC, a breath test is typically used.

BAC level is used as one way to determine if a motorist is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in violation of the law. On a more practical level, it is important to understand how and when you are likely to exceed the relevant BAC level. If you consume more alcohol than your body can process, the alcohol will be stored in your blood and tissue and cause impairment. As a general rule, most people can consume one standard drink per hour; however, numerous factors can impact that, including your age, weight, sex, medical conditions, and the presence or absence of food in your system.

How Does BAC Affect Me?

Your BAC level will directly impact your physical and cognitive abilities. According to Healthline, symptoms of impairment at various BAC levels include:

·  0.02 — muscle relaxation, altered mood, decline in visual function, loss of judgment

·  0.05 — reduced coordination, lowered reaction time, impaired judgment

·  0.08 — motor function decline, impaired perception, reduced cognitive processing speed

·  0.10 — noticeable lack of reaction time, slowed thinking, poor coordination

·  0.15 — major loss of motor control, severe attention and reaction deficits

Although various factors will impact how you react at any given BAC level, it helps to remember that the higher your BAC level, the more likely it is that you will exhibit behaviors likely to provide the probable cause needed to arrest your for DUI.

Nevada DUI Law: What Is the Legal BAC Level?

In Nevada, NRS § 484C.110 governs driving under the influence (DUI), making it illegal to operate a motor vehicle:

•            While impaired by drugs or alcohol.

•            With a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher.

•            While under the influence of a controlled substance.

For the average driver, this means that the “legal limit” is 0.08, but the limit can be lower for some drivers. Commercial drivers and drivers under the age of 21, for example, are held to higher standards when it comes to drinking and driving. Nevada law sets the blood alcohol level for DUI at 0.04 percent while Nevada’s “zero tolerance” law allows a driver under the legal drinking age (21) to be arrested for DUI with a BAC level of just 0.20 percent.

What Should I Do If I Am Charged with DUI in Las Vegas?

If you have been charged with DUI in Las Vegas, consult with the experienced Las Vegas DUI defense attorneys at The Vegas Lawyers as soon as possible to discuss your next steps. Call us at 702-707-7000 or contact us online.

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