Alcohol and the Law

1. And the Law

2. • 12oz of Beer = 5oz of Wine = 1.5oz Liquor
• 1 drink of Beer = 5% alcohol
• 1 drink of Wine = 12% alcohol
• 1 drink of Liquor = 40% alcohol

3. • If more than ONE alcoholic drink is
consumed per hour, then the amount of
alcohol in the bloodstream becomes
ELEVATED.
• The alcohol in the bloodstream is known
as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
• BAC measures are useful for detailing the
effects of alcohol consumption.
• Who might use BAC levels? And why?

4. • How much alcohol has been consumed
• Size and weight
• Gender
• Metabolic rate
• General fitness
• Emotional state
• Speed of drinking
• Food in the body

5. • Police use FOUR methods to determine if someone
is driving under the influence
– Signs of intoxication
– Incriminating statements
– Field sobriety tests
– Chemical test (breathalyzer, blood test, ignition
interlock)
• Right to refuse a field sobriety test, but must comply
to take a breathalyzer test
• BAC can be detected by a breath test, urine test, or
blood test

6. • DUI = Driving Under the Influence
• DWI- Driving While Intoxicated
• 1st Offense in PA:
– Possible jail time
– $600+ fine (depending on BAC level) and court fees
– License suspension for up to 1 year
– BAC: Under 21 = .02%, 21 and older = .08%
– If you refuse to take a chemical test (breathalyzer), you lose
your license for a year and pay a fine
• Higher BAC, greater penalties
• Higher number of offenses, greater penalties

7. • Must be visibly disruptive or harmful
• First offense in PA:
– Up to $300 fine
– Up to 90 days in jail
• Open Container violation- Having an
open container of alcohol in public

8. • Buy, drink, possess, or transport alcohol
– Up to $300 fine
– Up to 90 days in jail
– Goes on criminal record
– Lose driver's license for 90 days
• Parents who allow minors to drink in their
home
- Minimum $1000 fine
- Up to a year in prison
• Minor CANNOT be convicted if calling 911 for
someone else’s medical needs