Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) - PA DUI Law
The most important thing that the prosecution must prove to obtain a DUI conviction is your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).
In Pennsylvania, when you are pulled over for a DUI, the officer will ask to check your Blood Alcohol Content. If you are asked, make sure that you consent to the test. If you do not consent, PennDot may suspend your license for a one (1) year period, even if you were not legally drunk. Blood alcohol content, or BAC, will be tested either by a breathalyzer or by taking your blood. The BAC measures what percent of your blood is alcohol.
If you are under 21 years of age or a school bus driver, you are considered DUI with a BAC of 0.02% or higher.
If you are a commercial driver, you are considered DUI with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
For everyone else, you are considerred DUI with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
As an important note, an officer is able to charge you with a DUI if your BAC is between 0.05% and 0.08%, which is below the legal limit. The officer may charge you and then attempt to present enough evidence to prove that you were impaired while driving.
At Morrow & Artim, we offer a no cost, no obligation review of your DUI or criminal law matter via a short telephone consult or an email reply. If both you and our firm agree that legal representation is required, an in-office appointment will be scheduled.Call Morrow & Artim today at 412-823-8003 to obtain the legal help that you deserve.
