Question

Under Texas law, the per se standard of intoxication is based on the measurement of the offender's BAC. The letters BAC refer to:

a) blood amount in cardiovascular system.
b) blood alcohol concentration.
c) breath and circulation.
d) breath alcohol combination.

Answer 1

In Texas law, BAC stands for blood alcohol concentration. The legal limit for intoxication is a BAC of 0.08%. Breathalyzer tests measure the ethanol in breath to estimate the blood alcohol level.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under Texas law, the term BAC refers to blood alcohol concentration. The per se standard of intoxication is a legal term indicating that a person with a BAC at or above a specified level is considered intoxicated by law, regardless of actual impairment. In Texas, as in other states, the legal limit for intoxication is a BAC of 0.08%. Breathalyzer devices are commonly used to measure BAC because they measure the ethanol concentration in the breath, which is directly proportional to the blood alcohol level.

The process of alcohol metabolism is vital in understanding intoxication and sobriety. The liver metabolizes alcohol at a constant rate, and factors such as weight, gender, and individual tolerance can affect BAC. Notably, the cerebellum is particularly sensitive to ethanol, which impairs coordination and balance, as assessed during a Field Sobriety Test (FST).