This paper gives a review and opinion about defence challenges arising during the prosecution of drinking drivers in Sweden. The statutory limit of blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is two-tiered; 0.2mg/g (21mg/100 ml) and 1.5mg/g (159mg/100 ml). In rank order of occurrence, the top ten defence challenges are shown in Table I. The hip-flask defence occurs in more than 90% of all challenges. Because the burden of proof in Swedish law rests on the prosecution, the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol is often dropped when alleged drinking after the offence is an issue.
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