Georgia Blood Alcohol Content

Across Georgia, law enforcement officers depend on chemical testing methods to help them identify intoxicated drivers. Using a standard calculation, these tests measure the ratio of blood to alcohol in a driver’s system—a measurement is known as Georgia blood alcohol content, or BAC.



Unlike subjective testing methods such as field sobriety tests, chemical tests rely on scientific calculations to determine a driver’s level of intoxication.  These tests analyze a driver’s breath, blood, or urine content, looking for traces of alcohol and then calculating his or her BAC by comparing the results with a standard data set.

Although breath tests, or breathalyzers, are the most commonly administered form of chemical test, in some cases, officers may ask a driver to provide a blood and/or urine sample in order to determine his or BAC. Georgia, like every other state, has a strict 0.08% BAC limit, and anyone who is caught driving with a blood alcohol content above this amount will automatically be charged with DUI, regardless of his or her driving ability.

At the same time, however, a driver can also be charged with “per se” DUI offense if his or her BAC is well below the 0.08%s limit, but shows signs of impairment—such as driving erratically or committing numerous traffic violations.

Underage drivers (drivers under 21) and commercial vehicle operators are subjected to even lower blood alcohol content limitations—0.02% and 0.04%, respectively. As a result, these individuals can be charged with driving under the influence if their chemical test results reveal even a small amount of alcohol present in their system. 

Fortunately, failing a chemical test does not automatically result in a Georgia DUI conviction. In many cases, your results can be challenged and proven unreliable. For example, many harmless products, such as gum, mints, and mouthwashes, have been shown to elevate blood alcohol content and result in a falsely high BAC calculation. Likewise, common medical conditions such as diabetes and acid reflux disease can also inflate your BAC results.

If you recently failed a breathalyzer or other chemical testing method, don’t assume the charges against you will be upheld in court. With the right defense strategy, you may be able to reduce or eliminate your DUI charges and avoid criminal penalties such as fines, license suspension, and jail time.

The Law Offices of Webb and Willis has become synonymous with DUI defense—aggressively representing drivers in courtrooms across the state of Georgia to ensure they receive a fair trial and receive the best possible outcome in court.

For a free consultation on your case, just pick up the phone and call attorneys Lee Webb and Greg Willis today. With 24/7 availability via phone, text messaging, email, and Facebook, there’s no reason to wait. Contact us immediately after your arrest to put two of the most experienced DUI defense attorneys in the state to work for you.

Call Us Today: (770) 239-1685

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