Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. When alcohol is ingested, it passes from the stomach into the small intestine, where it is quickly absorbed and distributed throughout the body. The liver is responsible for 95% of the elimination of ingested alcohol in the body through metabolism. The remaining 5% is eliminated by excretion in breath, urine, sweat, saliva or feces.
Healthy people will metabolize alcohol at a fairly consistent rate. Generally, a person will eliminate one average drink of alcohol (0.5 oz.) per hour. Alcoholics frequently metabolize alcohol at a significantly higher rate than an average social drinker.
The less you weigh, the more you will be affected by alcohol. BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is the total alcohol in the body divided by body water. When you are arrested for a New York drunk driving offense, the amount of drinks you had is not s important as how much alcohol was in the drinks—thus, two glasses of whiskey could cause greater intoxication than several 12 oz. glasses of beer.
Drinks such as a Manhattan (1.15 oz.) or a martini (1 oz.) have much more alcohol than a 5 oz. glass of table wine (0.55 oz.) or a 12 oz. beer (0.54 oz.) The greatest alcohol content is found in Tequila (45% -50%) and rum, gin or vodka (40%). Beer, on the other hand, has between 3.2% and 4% alcohol content.
If you have been arrested for a New York DWI, contact the Westchester County drunk driving lawyers at the Law Office of Mark A. Siesel online or toll free at (914) 428-7386 for a free consultation with an experienced, knowledgeable attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.