Arizona Drunk Driving Laws
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Under state law, any driver caught operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher can be arrested for driving under the influence. As a result of this law, individuals can be charged with DUI simply for driving with an illegal amount of alcohol in their system, even if their ability to drive is not impaired.
It is important to know that the 0.08% BAC limit does not apply to all Arizona motorists. Individuals under the age of 21, for example, are not allowed to drive with any amount of alcohol in their system whatsoever, and they can therefore be arrested for having a blood alcohol content above 0.00%. Likewise, drivers who operate a commercial vehicle are subjected to a BAC of just 0.04%.
On the other hand, because Arizona law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle while impaired, a person who shows signs of impairment can still be charged with DUI for having even a small amount of alcohol in his or her system. What’s more, under the state’s “Implied Consent Law,” a driver can be arrested for simply refusing to allow an officer to administer a chemical test (breathalyzer or blood or urine test) in order to determine his or her BAC.
Whatever the circumstances may be, a person who is convicted of drunk driving in Arizona will face a number of severe consequences—starting with a multitude of fines. A first-time offender, for instance, will be charged a base fee of $250, along with a $200 surcharge, and additional “assessment” fees of up to $1,000. In addition to these penalties, the sentencing guidelines for a first drunk driving conviction include a 90- to 360-day license suspension and a minimum 24-hour jail sentence.
Repeat DUI offenders face even harsher penalties for their actions, including a longer license suspension and jail sentence, as well as more expensive fines. The court may also require habitual drunk drivers to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle (a device that requires the individual to pass a breathalyzer before the engine will start) and/or complete a court-approved alcohol treatment program.
Drivers who are arrested with an extremely high BAC can also expect tougher penalties for violating Arizona’s “Extreme DUI Law.” Under this statute, any driver who has a BAC of 0.015% or higher will lose his or her driving privileges for at least one year and face fines of $2,000 or more.
If you were recently arrested for drunk driving in Arizona, it is important to have a strong defense strategy before your case is tried in DUI court. To have an experienced legal professional review your case, submit your information online today and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled DUI defense attorney in your area.
