Washington State DUI laws set the legal limit for alcohol at .08 if you’re 21 years of age, but there’s talk about lowering this limit. Setting any legal limit creates layers of confusion about what’s lawful and what’s safe. Limits imply drivers can legally drive with a small amount of alcohol in their body. These drivers, just like those over the legal limit, can be at risk of jail, fines, license suspensions and more.
The legal limit simply means you’re presumed to be impaired if you’re over the limit, however, there is no “reverse presumption” that you’re presumed not impaired when you’re under the legal limit. Even if your breath test or blood test shows you’re below the legal limit, law enforcement can still charge you with DUI, Negligent Driving First Degree or even felony charges like Vehicular Assault or Vehicular Homicide.
Sometimes it’s easy to know when you’re over the legal limit and shouldn’t be driving, but sometimes it isn’t so simple. The old “one beer per hour rule” gives folks some guidance, but it presumes you’re consuming one 12 oz standard beer (approximately 4% alcohol). A pint (16 oz) of your favorite IPA (typically 6% alcohol or higher) requires even more time for your body to process. To avoid confusion, the safest rule is to just plan ahead for someone who hasn’t consumed any alcohol to drive you home.
It’s important to remember there are different limits for Driving Under the Influence Under 21 Years of Age or Baby DUI. If you’re under 21, then the legal limit for alcohol is .02, which is about how much the average person’s blood alcohol content (BAC) will rise after one standard beer. When it comes to THC, if you’re under 21 there’s zero tolerance, meaning you can’t have any in your system while driving.
If you or someone you care about are facing a DUI or any other criminal charge, let the experienced attorneys at Cooney Law Offices explain your options and guide you to the best possible resolution. Cooney Law Offices. We can help!