Alcohol effects are influenced by individual variations. Some people may become more intoxicated at a much lower blood alcohol content (BAC) level than indicated. Below are the scientifically recognized symptoms of persons at prescribed BAC levels:
0.02-0.03 BAC: No loss of coordination, slight euphoria and loss of shyness. Depressant effects are not apparent. Mildly relaxed and maybe a little lightheaded.
0.04-0.06 BAC: Feeling of well-being, relaxation, lower inhibitions, sensations of warmth. Euphoria. Some minor impairment of reasoning and memory, lowering of caution. Your behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified. (good emotions are better, bad emotions are worse)
0.07-0.09 BAC: Slight impairment of balance, speech, vision, reaction time, and hearing. Euphoria. Judgment and self-control are reduced, and caution, reasoning and memory are impaired (in some states .08 is legally impaired and it is illegal to drive at this level) You will probably believe that you are functioning better than you really are. (As of July 2004 all states had passed .08 BAC per se laws).
0.10-0.125 BAC: impairment or motor coordination and loss of good judgment. Speech may be slurred; balance, vision, reaction time and hearing will be impaired Euphoria.
0.13-0.15 BAC: Gross motor impairment and lack of physical control. Blurred vision and major loss of balance. Euphoria is reduced and dysphoria* is beginning to appear. Judgment and perception are severely impaired. (* Dysphoria: an emotional state of anxiety, depression or unease)
0.16-0.19 BAC: Dysphoria predominates, nausea may appear. The drinker has the appearance of a "sloppy drunk".
0.20 BAC: Feeling dazed/confused or otherwise disoriented. May need help to stand/walk. If you injure yourself you may not feel the pain. Some people have nausea and vomiting at this level. The gag reflex is impaired and you can choke if you do not vomit. Blackouts are likely at this level so you may not remember what happened.
0.30 BAC: Stupor. You have little comprehension of where you are. You may pass out suddenly and be difficult to awaken.
0.35 BAC: Coma is possible, This is the level of surgical anesthesia.
0.40 BAC and up: Onset of coma, and possible death due to respiratory arrest.
Nashville, Tennessee, DUI defense lawyer Rob McKinney understands how prosecutors approach DUI cases. He understands the issues involved in building cases against those charged as well as how to work with the court and the prosecution in avoiding maximum sentences.
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