Blood Alcohol Concentrations and Breath Alcohol in a San Francisco Bay Area DUI Arrest

The results of the breath test, blood test or urine test in a San Francisco Bay Area DUI arrest will be important in determining the criminal charges brought, the possible sentences, and requirement of a DMV administrative license suspension. The so-called "per se" offense (driving over .08%) is defined by the blood-alcohol level; the "DUI" offense (driving under the influence) is partially proven with a rebuttable presumption of intoxication if the result is over .08%.

It is important to realize that the DUI laws relate to the blood-alcohol level AT THE TIME OF DRIVING — not at the time of the test; there may be a significant difference, not to mention difficulties of proof. It is also important to understand that tests — particularly breath tests — are unreliable and susceptible to attack by an attorney who is knowledgable in the science of blood-alcohol analysis.

Why Breath Tests of Blood-Alcohol Don't Work
Article by Dr. Michael Hlastala, professor of pulmonary medicine at the University of Washington.

"Police Notebook" BAC Calculator
Online breath-alcohol concentration computor from the University of Oklahoma Police Department.

Basic BAC Calculator
Calculate blood alcohol concentration using only weight, ounces consumed, percent alcohol in drinks and hours spent consuming, from Madison Police Department.

"Blood Alcohol Charts"
Charts showing blood-alcohol concentrations based on gender, number of drinks and body weight, as well as mental, physical and emotional changes at different concentrations.

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