Arizona DUI Consequences
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If you are charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona, one of the first things you need to know is that there are more to Arizona DUI consequences than you realize. Under state law, a drunk driving conviction carries a number of hefty penalties, including a fine and license suspension, or even jail time. As a result, it is more important than ever to have a strong defense strategy if you want to challenge your arrest in DUI court.
Assuming this is your first offense, the penalties for drunk driving in Arizona include a minimum $250 fine and $200 surcharge, as well as an additional assessment fee of up to $1,000. Along with these fees, you'll also risk losing your license for 360 days or more and spending up to 24 hours behind bars. If you already have a prior conviction on your record, you can expect to receive an even harsher punishment—including a longer license suspension, more expensive fine, and a lengthier jail sentence.
Regardless of whether this is your first offense or not, Arizona's “Extreme DUI” law imposes additional penalties on any driver who is arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.015% or more—a BAC well-above the federal 0.08%l imit. As a result, an Extreme DUI conviction carries a minimum $2,000 fine and a one-year license suspension.
Habitual DUI offenders are also more likely to face additional penalties, such as being required to undergo treatment for substance abuse, attend DUI school, and/or have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle (a mechanism that makes it impossible for a driver to operate his or her vehicle without performing a breathalyzer). If such penalties are required, it is also important to keep in mind that you will be responsible for any expenses that go along with them (such as enrollment fees, installation costs, etc.).
In addition to any penalties imposed by the court, a convicted drunk driver may also encounter difficulties in his or her personal life. Because a conviction will show up on your criminal record for years, you may have difficulties obtaining housing and employment in the future. In some cases, you may even be ineligible for financial aid and other grants for educational expenses.
Your auto insurance rates are also likely to be affected by your conviction. In fact, it is not uncommon for companies to charge convicted DUI offenders to three times more coverage—while some companies even refuse to insure such drivers at all.
Of course, being arrested for drunk driving does not mean that you will be found guilty of the charge in court. There are many ways to challenge a DUI arrest and avoid the consequences of an Arizona DUI conviction. To determine the best approach for your case, it is important to discuss your case with an experienced DUI defense attorney immediately. Submit your information online today to receive a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled legal professional in your area.
