Blood Alcohol Concentration is defined as the level of alcohol in the bloodstream.  As the number of alcoholic beverages consumed over a period of time increases, so does the BAC.  .08 % B.A. C. is legally intoxicated in the state of New York.  At .08% BAC, virtually everyone experiences some degree of driving skill impairment.  The degree of impairment varies for each individual according to the amount of alcohol consumed, body weight, length of time spend drinking and whether the person ate before or while drinking alcohol.

Drivers at .08 % B.A.C. are four times more likely to cause a crash than .00% drivers.

Drivers at .15% B.A.C. are twenty-five times more likely to cause a crash than .00% drivers.

Each of the following drinks contains an equal amount of alcohol:

12oz. Beer at 5%

5oz. Wine at 12%

1.5 oz. Liquor at 80 proof

12 oz. Wine Cooler at 5%

-Alcohol content between products will vary depending on container size and percentage of alcohol.

The Cost of a Drunk Driving Conviction for a First Time Offender

Towing: $50 plus

Car Storage: $45 plus

Defense  Attorney: $500-$1,500 plus

Bail Fee: 0-$250 plus

DWI Fine: $300-$1,000

Court Surcharge for Crime Victims Assistance Fund: $20

Court Surcharge for Misdemeanor Level Crimes: $140

Alcohol Evaluation: $90 plus

DWI Victim Impact Panel  Session: $25

Probation Supervision Fee: 0-$250 plus

Conditional License: $75

Drinking Driver Program Fee: $225

DMV Civil Penalty: $300

DMV License Reinstatement Fee: $50

Auto Insurance (additional cost per year): $2,000-$3,000

Total: $3,645-$6,845