April 20, 2012 | Uncategorized

My client’s are often confused about what it means to have one drink.  They are really confused when that one or two drinks causes them to test over the prohibited level in Ohio of 0.08 grams of alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

The CDC publishes an online FAQ about alcohol on their website, http://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/faqs.htm#4.   The following is an excerpt from that page:

What is a standard drink in the United States?  A standard drink is equal to 13.7 grams (0.6 ounces) of pure alcohol or:

12-ounces of beer.
8-ounces of malt liquor.
5-ounces of wine.
1.5-ounces or a “shot” of 80-proof distilled spirits or liquor (e.g., gin, rum, vodka, or whiskey).

A $14 “Top-shelf Deluxe” style margarita from your favorite happy hour chain will sometimes have 3 ounces of tequila (80-proof) in a Jumbo frozen martini-type glass.  This can also include lime juice and 3 ounces of orange liqueur like Triple Sec (60-proof), Curacao (80-proof), Cointreau (80-proof), or Grand Marnier (80-proof).

That is four standard “drinks.”  A 120 pound person consuming four drinks in two hours will have a blood alcohol concentration or BAC right about 0.08, the prohibited concentration of alcohol in Ohio.  A 180 pound person consuming one and a half of these deluxe drinks over two hours will have the same result.

Estimating your blood alcohol content is difficult, especially when you are confusing what it means to have one drink.  It is better to get a ride when drinking than guess about the legality of the alcohol content in your body.

And remember, if you or a family member has been arrested for DUI in the Akron Area – including: Stark, Summit and Portage Counties – give our office a call at 330-564-1126.  We are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.  Because now is the perfect time to put a team that includes a FORMER POLICE OFFICER and TWO FORMER PROSECUTORS to work….for you!