What is the difference between a DUI and a BAC?

The difference between a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) is that a DUI refers to the charge that is made against a person who is operating a motor vehicle with any amount of alcohol in their blood, whereas a BAC is the actual measurement of the amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. In California, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. If law enforcement pulls someone over and they have a BAC of 0.08% or higher, they will be charged with a DUI. However, people can still be charged with a DUI even if their BAC is lower than 0.08% if law enforcement believes they are impaired even if their BAC is lower than 0.08%. A DUI is a serious offense in California and carries with it severe penalties which can include hefty fines, jail time or even having your license revoked. Additionally, people convicted of a DUI may face difficulties in the future when looking for employment or housing due to the criminal record associated with the offense. A BAC, on the other hand, is a legal measure to determine if a person is under the influence of alcohol. This number is determined by using a breathalyzer test or drawing blood from an individual. Although a BAC is used to help incriminate someone for a DUI, it is not the same as a DUI.

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