Can You Get a DUI After One Drink?

After a single drink, you might think you’re perfectly fine to drive. However, depending on several factors, even a small amount of alcohol could lead to a DUI charge. From the type of drink to your body composition, many variables arethere are a lot of variables at play. In Maryland, the law doesn’t just look at how much you’ve had to drink – it also considers how it affects your driving.

While one drink might not always lead to a DUI charge, Maryland’s strict DUI laws focus on impairment rather than quantity. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect judgment and reflexes. With over 30 years of experience, Attorney Hillel Traub has helped clients navigate Maryland’s complex DUI laws, offering dedicated representation tailored to each case.

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What to Know About DUIs in Maryland

In Maryland, a DUI refers to driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. This is the legal limit for most adult drivers. However, a DUI charge does not always require reaching that 0.08% threshold. Even if your BAC is lower, you can still be arrested and charged with impaired driving if an officer believes your ability to drive is compromised.

DUI vs. DWI

There are two primary types of charges related to alcohol and driving in Maryland:

DUI (Driving Under the Influence): This charge applies when your BAC is 0.08% or higher or if you are impaired by alcohol to the point where it affects your ability to drive safely.
DWI (Driving While Impaired): This charge is for drivers with a BAC between 0.04% and 0.07% or who are showing signs of impairment but haven’t reached the legal DUI threshold.

The penalties for each type of drinking and driving charge can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of your specific situation.

Can One Drink Put You Over the Limit?

The answer to whether one drink can lead to a DUI depends on several factors, such as:

Your Weight and Gender

The more you weigh, the more water is in your body, which helps dilute alcohol. Lighter individuals typically experience a higher BAC after the same amount of alcohol.

Women often experience a higher BAC than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol, even when weight is factored in. This is due to differences in body composition, including a higher percentage of body fat and lower water content in women.

Type of Drink

A “standard drink” typically contains about 0.6 ounces of pure alcohol. This is roughly equivalent to:

12 ounces of beer (5% alcohol)
5 ounces of wine (12% alcohol)
1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (40% alcohol, such as vodka or whiskey)

If you have one drink and your BAC exceeds 0.08%, you could be charged with a DUI.

Time Between Drinks

Your BAC rises and falls depending on how quickly your body metabolizes alcohol. If you drink one beverage over an extended period, your body may have time to process it. However, if you consume the drink quickly, your BAC may peak before your body has a chance to process the alcohol, putting you at risk for impairment.

Food Intake

Drinking on an empty stomach can increase your BAC. Food in your stomach can slow the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, which may lower your BAC and reduce the likelihood of impairment.

Factors That Influence Whether You Will Be Arrested After One Drink

Even if your BAC does not exceed the legal limit, you can still be arrested for a DUI or DWI in Maryland if an officer believes your ability to drive is impaired. Officers are trained to look for certain signs of impairment, which include:

Erratic driving: Swerving, speeding, or sudden braking can all signal that a driver may be under the influence.
Physical signs of intoxication: Red or bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol can lead an officer to suspect impairment, even if your BAC is under 0.08%.
Field sobriety tests: Officers may ask you to perform roadside sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line or balancing on one foot. If you fail these tests, you could be arrested for DUI, regardless of your BAC.

If you have had one drink and are pulled over, remain calm and provide your driver’s license, registration, and insurance as requested. You have the right to refuse to answer questions about where you have been or what you have been drinking, though this may raise suspicion.

Contact Attorney Hillel Traub for Help With DUI or DWI Charges in Maryland

Facing a DUI charge, even after just one drink, can be overwhelming and confusing. At the Law Office of Hillel Traub, we understand the complexities of Maryland’s DUI and DWI laws and the significant impact these charges can have on your life. With over 30 years of legal experience, Attorney Hillel Traub has helped countless drivers defend against DUI allegations and minimize potential consequences.

As a former lawyer for the MVA, Attorney Traub brings a unique perspective to DUI cases, offering tailored legal strategies to address each client’s unique circumstances. If you are facing DUI or DWI charges, let us help you protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome. Call us at (410) 580-1100 or visit our contact form to get started today.