Arizona DUI Laws

Getting a DUI in any state is never a good thing, but in Arizona, the consequences are especially harsh. According to the Arizona DPS, alcohol was involved in 26% of the state’s auto crash costs. Arizona’s DWI laws differentiate between a “typical” DUI offense and what’s called an “extreme” DUI. So what are the differences, and what will happen to you if you commit this dangerous error?

What Constitutes Drunk Driving?

No matter which state of this country that you are driving in, you will be convicted of driving under the influence if you are caught behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. While there is no standard “drink amount” that this equals per individual, it should be known that even having just 2 drinks does significantly impair your ability to operate a vehicle, even if it doesn’t send you over the legal limit. For commercial drivers, the limit is even lower – you cannot drive with a BAC of over 0.04% or you risk jail time and probable loss of your job.

Differences in DUIs

According to Arizona DUI laws, there are 3 types of DUIs that you can be convicted of.

• A “basic” DUI is one where your blood alcohol content is between 0.08% and 0.14%.
• An “extreme” DUI offense is if you are caught driving with a BAC of 0.15% or higher.
• An “aggravated” DUI crime is defined as a driver who receives a DUI citation under the following conditions:
  • Their license is already suspended, revoked, or cancelled
  • They’ve committed their third DUI offense in 7 years
  • They’ve committed a DUI violation while driving with a passenger under 15 Years old
  • They’ve refused to submit a breath sample while under an ignition interlock device mandate

Each of these convictions carries different fines and jail sentences.

Arizona DUI Penalties

If you are convicted of a basic DUI offense, you face the following consequences:

• First offense
  • 10 days in jail
  • $1,250 fine
  • Alcohol treatment and education
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Community service
• Second offense
  • 90 days in jail
  • $3,000 fine
  • 12-month license revocation
  • Alcohol treatment and education
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Community service

If you have been convicted of an extreme DUI, where your BAC was 0.15% or higher, these are your impending consequences:

• First offense
  • 30 days in jail with no probation
  • $2,500 fine
  • Alcohol treatment and education
  • Installation if an ignition interlock device
  • Community service
• Second offense
  • 120 days in jail
  • $3,250 fine
  • 12-month license revocation
  • Alcohol treatment and education
  • Installation of an ignition interlock device
  • Community service

If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI violation, you will spend up to 2 years in prison and suffer an Arizona suspended license for 3 years. You’ll also have to complete all of the above requirements for basic and extreme DUI convictions. You can also have your license immediately suspended if you refuse a chemical test to determine your level of intoxication. You will lose your driving privileges for anywhere from 1-2 years.

How to Handle a DUI Conviction

If you have been convicted of driving under the influence, the first thing you should do is find a good DUI lawyer. There are Arizona DUI attorneys who specialize in giving their clients the best chance at suffering the least possible consequences, should that client be truly committed to reforming their ways. Find an attorney who has a strong track record of low fines and jail sentences for his or her clients. Keep in mind that traffic ticket attorneys aren’t always qualified to deal with the circumstances surrounding DUIs, so be extra careful in choosing one that meets your needs.

The fact remains, though, that you are about to begin a very difficult uphill climb, and you’re going to spend a lot of money in the process. Attorney’s fees, court costs, ticket fines, ignition interlock expenses… all of these could have been avoided by simply exercising better judgment and staying off the roads after you’ve been drinking. There’s no excuse for endangering the lives of yourself and everyone around you, simply because you don’t want to call a taxi. Get a ride home, and save yourself from dealing with any of the consequences above.

If you have any questions, contact us here – we’re available every day of the week!