Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is a term that you will often hear associated with DUI in Las Vegas, Nevada. This refers to the concentration of alcohol in your blood and may be measured by a blood test or a breath test. This test may be administered if you were pulled over for suspected drunk driving and the officer observed behavior or other indicators of intoxication, such as slurred speech, open alcohol containers or bloodshot eyes. The officer will likely ask you to undergo field sobriety testing as well, to measure your physical and mental abilities and whether they may be impaired due to alcohol consumption.  If the officer has probable cause to believe that you were operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, he or she will ask you to submit to a chemical test to determine your blood alcohol concentration.

While you can refuse breath or blood testing to determine your BAC, this refusal will result in the automatic suspension of your driver’s license.  In applying and signing for a Nevada driver’s license, you are considered to have given consent to submit to chemical testing if suspected of DUI. The officer is, however, required to inform you of the consequences of refusing a breath test or blood test – so you can make an informed decision about refusing the test.

In Nevada, you may not operate a motor vehicle if you have a BAC of .08% or greater, or .02% or greater if you are under 21 years old.

DUI Defense Lawyer in Clark County, Nevada

Whether you refused a breath test or blood test, or if you took the test and failed, I may still be able to help you fight the penalties associated with this. As an experienced Clark County DUI lawyer, I understand the legal procedures involved in a chemical test refusal or a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit. There are numerous ways that breath and blood tests can be challenged in court, and I can determine exactly how to apply my knowledge in this area to your case.

It is important to note that although your blood alcohol concentration is a crucial part of any DUI offense, that you may still face charges even if your BAC is below the legal limit. If your ability to drive safely is impaired, you may still face DUI charges in Nevada – even if your BAC is below .08%.

Contact Las Vegas DUI attorney Chip Siegel to discuss BAC and how it relates to drunk driving charges in Nevada.