If you’ve been drinking and are wondering whether it’s safe to drive or how long does alcohol stay in your system, you’re not alone. Whether you’re facing a DUI charge or trying to understand your limits, knowing how long alcohol stays in your system is crucial—especially in Maryland, where impaired driving laws are strictly enforced.
Understanding Alcohol Metabolism
Alcohol is primarily processed in the liver at a steady rate—roughly one standard drink per hour. However, this can vary based on individual factors like:
- Body weight and composition
- Sex
- Metabolism
- Food intake
- Liver health
A standard drink is defined as:
- 12 oz. of beer (5% alcohol)
- 5 oz. of wine (12% alcohol)
- 1.5 oz. of distilled spirits (40% alcohol)
Detection Times by Test Type
The detection window for alcohol depends on the type of test used. Here’s what you can expect:
| Test Type | Detection Window |
|---|---|
| Breath (Breathalyzer) | Up to 24 hours (commonly 12–24 hours) |
| Blood Test | Up to 12 hours |
| Urine (EtG test) | Up to 72–80 hours after heavy drinking |
| Saliva | Up to 48 hours |
| Hair | Up to 90 days |
Breath tests are the most commonly used in Maryland DUI investigations, especially during roadside stops and checkpoints in Charles, Calvert, St. Mary’s, and Prince George’s Counties.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and Elimination Time
If your BAC is 0.08%, the legal limit in Maryland, it generally takes about 5 to 6 hours for your body to metabolize the alcohol completely. Here’s a rough timeline:
- 0.02% BAC – 1–2 drinks: 1.5–2.5 hours
- 0.05% BAC – 3 drinks: 3–4 hours
- 0.08% BAC – 4 drinks: 5–6 hours
- 0.15%+ BAC – 7+ drinks: 10+ hours
These are estimates. Your actual time may vary.
What If You’re Pulled Over?
If you’re stopped by law enforcement in Southern Maryland and suspected of driving under the influence, officers may conduct:
- Field sobriety tests
- Portable breathalyzer test
- Blood or urine test (if you refuse the breath test or if injury is involved)
Refusing a chemical test in Maryland may lead to automatic license suspension and other penalties under the implied consent law.
Why This Matters for DUI Charges
Even if you feel “fine,” alcohol could still be present in your system and show up on a test. Maryland prosecutors often use BAC results as key evidence in DUI cases. But that doesn’t mean your case is hopeless.
As Southern Maryland criminal lawyers, we’ve helped clients challenge:
- Faulty test procedures
- Improper traffic stops
- Unreliable BAC readings
A DUI arrest doesn’t mean a DUI conviction—especially if your constitutional rights were violated.
Facing DUI Charges? Talk to a Southern Maryland Criminal Lawyer.
If you’ve been charged with DUI in Charles County, St. Mary’s County, Calvert County, or Prince George’s County, don’t face it alone. Understanding how long alcohol stays in your system is just the beginning. You need a defense strategy tailored to your case.
📞 Schedule a confidential consultation now with Southern Maryland Criminal Defense.
