Alcohol: Problems and Solutions

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Impaired and Intoxicated Behavior: Forensic Evidence Important

Evidence of alcohol impairment or intoxication is often of crucial importance in legal cases.

If you are a plaintiff you might need to prove that someone's low blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was high enough to cause that driver's failure to see a pedestrial because of reduced peripheral vision.

If you are a defendant you may want to demonstrate that the alcohol breath tester administered to you might not have been accurate.

Whether you are trying to establlish that someone's behavior resulted from alcohol impairment, or whether you're trying to establish your innocence, it's always wise to consult an attorney who specializes in DWI/DUI cases. Preferably, the law firm limits its practice to such cases.

Specialized attorneys will have access to evidence about alcohol breath testers (BAC estimators), knowledge about the effects of various medical conditions on both BAC estimates and behaviors, evidence about witness biases (including those of law enforcement officers) and other relevant evidence.

It's never easy or pleasant to be involved in a law suit. It can also be very expensive. Don't drive while impaired. If your BAC is well below the maximum legal limits, you are less likely to become a victim of a faulty Breathalyzer, an overly aggressive law enforcement officer seeking to reach a DWI quota for the month, or to experience other problems. Most important, you are less likely to be in a traffic accident.

Here are some tips to maintaining a low BAC.

• Remember that standard servings of beer, wine or spirits contain the same amount of pure alcohol (0.6 ounce). A standard drink is:
  
  • A 12-ounce can or bottle of regular beer
  • A 5-ounce glass of dinner wine
  • A shot (one and one-half ounces) of 80 proof liquor or spirits such as vodka, tequila, or rum either straight or in a mixed drink.
• A good general guideline for most people is to limit consumption of alcohol beverages to one drink (beer, wine or spirits) per hour.
• Eat food while you drink. Food, especially high protein food such as meat, cheese and peanuts, will help slow the absorption of alcohol into your body.
• Don't participate drinking contests or other drinking games. 
• Use alcohol carefully in connection with pharmaceuticals. Ask your physician or pharmacist about any precautions or prohibitions and follow any advice received.

If you must drive after drinking, stay completely sober.

 

This website discourages driving while impaired by alcohol or any other cause. It is informational only and does not make any suggestions or recommendations, other than to drive sober and safely, and none should be inferred.