You may think that if you’ve only had one drink, there is no way you can be found guilty of drunk driving. However, this answer to this question is complicated. Drunk driving is not determined by the number of drinks you’ve had, but by the level of alcohol in your blood. So the most accurate answer is “It depends.”

Blood Alcohol Level
It depends on a few factors, one being how much alcohol was in the one drink you had, and the other being how much that alcohol impacted your body. In most states, you are considered to be over the legal limit when your blood alcohol level reaches .08 percent. On average, a 100 pound person will reach the .08 percent limit for each 2 drinks consumed during a one hour period.

Standard Drinks
Also, the above calculation assumes “standard drinks,” which are not high in alcohol content. If your “one drink” is high in alcohol content or is a large drink, like a double- or a triple-sized drink, it is very easy for your body to cross the legal BAC driving limit after finishing that drink. And if your body weight is below 100 pounds, then that will make your BAC reach .08 percent with less alcohol.

Absorption of Alcohol
Additionally, the general condition of your body will determine how it absorbs alcohol, which influences your blood alcohol content level as well. If you have more fat on your body you will absorb alcohol more quickly (this is one reason why women get drunk faster than men). If you’re fatigued or dehydrated, that can affect how alcohol interacts with your body and cause your BAC to go up quickly. And if you haven’t eaten, that can also make your body absorb alcohol speedily and cause the alcohol level in your body to increase more rapidly.

If you’re in doubt about your BAC level, the safest choice is always to walk, take a cab, or let a sober friend drive instead.

This article is intended to provide you with information about how different factors can affect your blood alcohol content and is not intended to be legal advice.

Legal Resource: If you have been convicted of drunk driving in the state of Texas, the attorneys at Dallas Justice can help.