Navigating a DUI charge can be daunting, leaving you uncertain about its potential impact on your daily life, finances, and personal freedom. In Arizona, DUI charges carry substantial penalties, including the possibility of jail time.
Understanding the various DUI categories in Arizona and the associated penalties for a guilty verdict can provide clarity on your situation. Exploring your legal options becomes crucial.
Engaging the services of seasoned Arizona DUI lawyers, such as the defense lawyers at Future First Criminal Law, offers valuable insights into your best course of action. With extensive experience in a range of DUI cases, we comprehend Arizona’s DUI laws and their relevance to your unique circumstances. Our Phoenix DUI lawyers collaborate with you to construct a robust defense, striving for the most favorable outcome in your case.
Arizona DUI Defense
If someone is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will likely undergo a blood alcohol concentration or drug content (BADC) test. In Arizona, as a driver, you implicitly consent to this test by merely being behind the wheel.
The BADC test, conducted through breath, blood, or urine samples, determines whether the individual will face a DUI charge and, if so, its classification.
In Arizona, a BAC above 0.08% triggers a DUI charge; for commercial vehicle drivers, the threshold is lower at 0.04%. Arizona maintains a zero-tolerance policy for those under 21, making any alcohol presence grounds for DUI arrest.
DUI penalties in Arizona are severe which can include license suspension, jail and/or prison time, substance abuse counseling, community service, Ignition Interlock, and steep fines. For all offenders, reinstating the driver’s license usually involves SR-22 Insurance, enrolling in an alcohol education program and installing an ignition interlock device on the vehicle.
What You Need To Know About Possible DUI Defenses
The bulk of evidence for a DUI charge is typically gathered at the traffic stop scene. However, there are several strategies that an experienced lawyer can employ to mount a robust Arizona DUI defense.
One clear defense involves questioning the accuracy of the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) test and the validity of its administration. Successful defenses against DUI charges have included proving that the BAC test was contaminated, that the administering officer delayed too long before conducting the test (potentially causing the BAC to rise in the meantime), or that the test sample was mishandled or inaccurately labeled.
Furthermore, there are mitigating circumstances related to the individual facing the DUI charge. Some medications can impact BAC test results, and the circumstances surrounding a field sobriety test can affect a person’s performance.
Other potential defenses against a DUI charge include arguing that the arresting officer lacked probable cause to initiate the traffic stop or demonstrating that the individual arrested did not have control of the vehicle at the time of the arrest. This argument is often used when the arrested individual was physically in the vehicle but not actively driving it at the time. By carefully examining these details, a strong defense can be mounted against a DUI charge.
Should I Hire An Arizona DUI Defense Lawyer?
While facing a DUI charge in Arizona may initially seem straightforward, the complexities of the Arizona DUI law make hiring an Arizona DUI defense lawyer highly beneficial.
As you can see below in our penalties chart, the complexities of the Arizona DUI law mean there are many layers to the charge and the subsequent penalties. Having an experienced lawyer can make navigating these layers much easier. The bottom line is – if you are facing a DUI charge in Arizona, you need an experienced Phoenix DUI defense lawyer. The DUI lawyers at Future First Criminal Law will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free phone consultation.
Standard DUI
(BAC higher than .08%)
1st Offense
- Jail Time Days: 1+
- Home Detention Days: After 1 Day Served
- License Suspension: 90 Days – 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $1,500+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 6 Months
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
2nd Offense
- Jail Time Days: 6+
- Home Detention Days: 24+
- License Revocation: 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $3,500+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 Year
- Community Service Hours: 30+
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
3rd Offense
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Home Detention Days: Not Available
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Revocation: 3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Extreme DUI
(BAC higher than .15%)
1st Offense
- Jail Time Days: 2+
- Home Detention Days: 7+
- License Suspension: 90 Days – 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $3,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 Year
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
2nd Offense
- Jail Time Days: 24+
- Home Detention Days: 36+
- License Revocation: 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $4,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 Year+
- Community Service Hours: 30+
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
3rd Offense
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Home Detention Days: Not Available
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Revocation: 3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- 8 Points on License
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Super Extreme DUI
(BAC higher than .20%)
1st Offense
- Jail Time Days: 3+
- Home Detention Days: 11+
- License Suspension: 90 Days – 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $3,500+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1+ Years
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
2nd Offense
- Jail Time Days: 36+
- Home Detention Days: 54+
- License Revocation: 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- Community Service Hours: 30+
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
3rd Offense
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Home Detention Days: Not Available
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Revocation: 3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Aggravated DUI Felony
(Class 4 & Class 6 Felony)
Penalties
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Suspension/Revocation: 1-3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- 8 Points on License
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Class 4 Felony
- Driving on a Invalid License (Suspended, Revoked, Cancelled)
- Driving Without Ignition Interlock When Required
- Two+ DUI Convictions Within the Past Seven Years
- Driving the Wrong Way
Class 6 Felony
- Driving with a Minor 15 Years Old or Younger in the Vehicle
Ready to Hire An Arizona DUI Defense Lawyer? We’re Here For You!
The complexity of the Arizona DUI law make it evident an experienced lawyer can greatly simplify navigating these layers. If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona, the stiff penalties you face can cause significant disruption to your life. You need an experienced Phoenix DUI Defense Lawyer to review your case and guide you in deciding your next steps. The DUI Lawyers at Future First Criminal Law will work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today for a free phone consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a good lawyer beat a DUI?
There are many ways that an experienced DUI attorney can beat DUI charges. They will look for any mistakes the arresting officer may have made or if your rights were violated in any way. They can also review the circumstances of your arrest and maybe prove that there is not enough evidence to convict you of the DUI charges.
Can you get DUI dismissed?
Yes, there are many situations where a DUI could get dismissed. If the police did not follow proper protocols, or if your rights were violated during the arrest, the case may get dismissed before trial.
Is it worth getting an lawyer for a DUI?
Yes, it is always worth speaking with an experienced DUI attorney if you have been charged with DUI. An attorney will review the details of your case and advise you on the best defense strategy for your particular situation.