List of Terms Used in Georgia DUI Cases.
DUI: Driving under the influence refers to anyone who is operating a vehicle while under the influence of any combination of alcohol, any drug, or a glue, aerosol or toxic vapor to the extent that the substance affects their driving ability. A person is also considered to be driving under the influence if his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is greater than or equal to .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or there is any amount of marijuana or other controlled substance in their system.
Alcohol-impaired: In Georgia and throughout the United States, a driver is considered to be alcohol-impaired if his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is greater than or equal to .08 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Alcohol-involved: A motor vehicle operator is considered to be alcohol-involved if his or her blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .01 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. The term "alcohol-involved" may also used when blood alcohol test results are unknown and DUI is suspected.
Alcohol-impaired Fatality: Alcohol-impaired fatality refers to any death occurring in a crash where at least one driver is alcohol impaired (has BAC of .08 or higher). The crash may or may not be the direct result of alcohol impairment.
Alcohol-involved Fatality: Alcohol-involved fatality refers to any death occurring in a crash where at least one driver has a BAC of .01 or higher or alcohol use is suspected, but the result of alcohol testing is still unknown. The crash may or may not be the direct result of alcohol involvement.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC): Blood alcohol concentration refers to the amount of alcohol in the blood. BAC is measured in grams of alcohol per deciliter (100 milliliters) of blood (g/dL). A BAC of .01 indicates that .01 grams of alcohol are present per deciliter of blood. In Georgia, a driver with a BAC of .08 is considered legally intoxicated or alcohol-impaired. However, a driver may be considered to be under the influence of alcohol (or alcohol involved) at lower BAC levels.
Hardcore Drunk Driver: Hardcore drunk drivers include high BAC drivers and repeat offenders.
- A high BAC driver is any driver who drives with a BAC of .15 or higher
- A repeat offender includes any driver that has had more than one DUI or drunk driving arrest.
Every Fulton County drunk driving death is a loss that could have been prevented. If you have lost a loved one to an Atlanta area drunk driving accident, you need an experienced Fulton County DUI injury lawyer who can help you get accountability and compensation for your loss. Fulton County DUI injury lawyer Shane Smith will to make sure your rights are protected. Contact Shane Smith Law at 770-HURT-999 to schedule a free consultation.
For more information about the rights of injury victims, download our free guide: "10 Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Georgia Wreck Case."