The laws governing impaired driving and vehicular crimes in the state of Arizona are among the strictest in the entire USA. Learning about the penalties that you might face for vehicular crimes in Arizona is important, as is understanding how to find an attorney to protect you should the worst-case scenario happen and you find yourself convicted of DUI charges. If you have ever been curious about Arizona’s DUI crimes laws, then do not worry. We will walk you through everything you need to know about DUI penalties and charges in the state of Arizona. Read on below to learn more about DUIs in Arizona! But remember, different states have different laws, and these penalties will be different in any state that is not Arizona.
What is a DUI?
A DUI is a shorthand term, abbreviated from “Driving Under (the) Influence.” That covers being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other substance that could affect your ability to drive responsibly and safely – by impairing your reaction times, your judgment, or anything else that you need for driving. Penalties for DUI charges are often serious because driving irresponsibly poses a major risk to both you and the people around you. Staying safe on the roads is important, and a DUI is not to be underestimated.
Arizona state law states that you can be charged with a DUI if you are found to have a blood alcohol concentration (often abbreviated to “BAC”) of 0.08%, or 0.04%, in a commercial vehicle. That is a lower percentage than most states, so extra caution is advisable in Arizona. That is not just when you are actively driving, either – if you are found to have a high BAC at any time within two hours of driving, you could face DUI charges. DUI charges also apply to other forms of impairment, such as drugs, both legal and illegal!
What penalties could you face for a DUI in Arizona?
If stopped for driving under the influence, and an on-the-spot test finds you to be impaired, or if a test result is not available, you will immediately lose your driving privileges. In order to restore your driving privilege or obtain a restricted driving permit, you will need to complete drug and alcohol screening tests.
If you refuse to submit or fail to complete any tests on being arrested, you will automatically lose your driving license for a full 12 months. On a second offense within an 84 month period, you will lose your license for another 24 month period.
A first offense DUI charge comes with a jail term of not less than 10 days and a fine of not less than $1,250. Any vehicle you operate will have to be equipped with a certified ignition interlock device, and you will have to undergo alcohol education, screening, and/or treatment. In addition to this, you will have to complete a period of community service.
For a second or subsequent offense, you will receive a jail term of not less than 90 days and a fine of not less than $3,000. Your license will also be revoked for 12 months. Any vehicle you operate will have to be equipped with a certified ignition interlock device, and you will have to undergo alcohol education, screening, and/or treatment. In addition to this, you will have to complete a period of community service.
Finding a DUI Lawyer
A professional, dedicated DUI and vehicular crimes lawyer can help you to defend yourself from DUI charges. Check dmcantor.com to find out more about the costs of hiring a DUI lawyer, as well as a full explanation of what a DUI attorney can do to help you with your case.
Conclusion
DUI charges in Arizona can be harsh, and it is important to do what you can to ensure that you are not at risk of arrest. Do not drive after drinking, and stay safe and responsible at all times when in control of a vehicle. The charges above are just for standard DUI arrests, too! There are far stricter charges that you can face if you are convicted of an Extreme DUI offense or an Aggravated DUI offense. Most people will never have to deal with more than a standard DUI charge, but it is best to try to avoid those charges too!
