DUI Charges and the Body’s Tolerance to Alcohol
In the United States, studies have shown that drunk drivers result in more than 30 deaths each day, a statistic that would not surprise an Arlington, TX DUI lawyer. Drunk drivers are responsible for an estimated 82% of motor vehicle fatalities. The statistics surrounding drunk driving and its dangers are staggering. Despite these overwhelming numbers, it doesn’t stop everyone from drinking and driving. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, one of the primary reasons a drunk driver gets behind the wheel is because they truly believe that their tolerance is greater than the data and statistics that have proven otherwise. After getting pulled over, they may find themselves in need of a DUI lawyer in Arlington TX.
How does the body absorb alcohol?
A chemical known as ethanol is what causes intoxication when alcohol is consumed. Following consumption, ethanol will make its way to the brain through the bloodstream. Because ethanol is so small, it is able to penetrate brain cells. When this happens, ethanol molecules can result in interference amongst neurotransmitters. Ethanol can have an augmented impact on the brain when alcohol is consumed too quickly.
Blood Alcohol Content
There are a number of factors that impact blood alcohol content (BAC) but the amount of alcohol consumed has the greatest impact. (Your Arlington, TX DUI lawyer can investigate whether or not your BAC test results were accurate.) There are a few other factors that may impact BAC including:
- The speed at which alcohol is absorbed.
- How quickly the stomach can breakdown alcohol with an enzyme in the stomach called Glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase.
- The amount of glutathione-dependent formaldehyde dehydrogenase in your stomach impacts your BAC as well.
Functional Tolerance
A person who drinks more has a higher tolerance for alcohol, as a result the changes they experience are at a cellular level in the brain, this is known as functional tolerance. Despite a higher tolerance, BAC will continue to be high, even though a person may not be exhibiting signs of intoxication. Due to the familiar presence of alcohol in the system, the biological mechanisms change for a heavy drinker. It is believed that a heavier drinker may be equipped with more of the stomach enzyme that breaks down alcohol than a person who does not drink as often or is less experienced. Your Arlington, TX DUI lawyer will need to know how much alcohol you consumed.
Driving Under the Influence
Approximately 1.5 million people are arrested for drunk driving each year. It can be a challenge for police to be able to identify drivers who are under the influence by observation at checkpoints alone. This is due to the number of factors that contribute to a person’s behavior versus their BAC. Being able to function at a higher level can impact a person’s ability to assess their own level of intoxication. As a Arlington, TX DUI lawyer can tell you, when a person is intoxicated, they may feel mentally alert despite lowered inhibitions from drinking.
Contact an experienced DUI lawyer Arlington TX locals recommend at Brandy Austin Law Firm, PLLC if you have been charged with a DUI. There are a number of repercussions to a DUI charge, including financial expense, loss of employment, and driver’s license suspension. If you have been charged with a DUI, an Arlington, TX DUI lawyer may be able to help reduce your charges or get your case dismissed.
