Driving Under the Influence (DUI) charges are serious and can drastically change the lives of all parties involved. Some instances of DUIs leave people with serious consequences that affect their entire lives, while other outcomes are much more fatal, even deadly.
1.9% of the population admits to driving after they’ve had too much to drink, but in the state of Arizona, 1.7% of residents admitted the same. With that, the state of Arizona witnesses more DUI cases than the rest of the nation.
Every state varies when it comes to the laws of driving under the influence. Navigating the Arizona DUI laws can be tricky, but to help understand those laws better, here are some commonly asked questions and DUI facts to be aware of if you become part of a DUI related equation.
What is the Legal Limit of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) in Arizona?
If you have been drinking and are operating a motor vehicle in the state of Arizona and get pulled over by an officer, you may be charged with a DUI if your BAC is over 0.8%. If you are pulled over and suspected to be driving under the influence, the officer may request you to submit to a series of field sobriety tests to determine if you are safe to drive.
Contrary to most people’s belief, a person is NOT required to participate in any field sobriety tests requested by an officer. However, if the officer requests the person to submit to a breath or blood test to determine if there is alcohol in the person’s blood/breath and that person refuses, there could be serious consequences for not complying. If the officer obtains a search warrant for your blood or breath because of refusing, your driver’s license will be subject to a one-year suspension.
Everyone’s body metabolizes alcohol differently. The best advice when enjoying an adult beverage is to not drive at all to avoid such consequences. To see how alcohol can affect people in different weight classes, go here.
How Long Does A DUI Stay on Your Record in Arizona?
When it comes to the DUI law, Arizona has some of the strictest laws in the nation. Along with all the basic penalties that that come with a DUI, those persecuted shouldn’t expect to have a clean record on the books any time soon. If convicted of a DUI, the conviction can be used to enhance the sentence if you are charged with a second DUI within seven (7) years. This law applies to driving under the influence of marijuana and/or alcohol.
Marijuana has a different effect on the body but can show up on blood tests for at least 30 days.
If you’re facing a DUI for marijuana or alcohol consumption in Arizona, go here.
If I am Convicted of a DUI When Do I Get an Ignition Interlock Device Installed?
The AZ Department of Motor Vehicles will notify you by letter when you need to have the Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle.
If you are convicted for a DUI and your license is suspended for any length of time, there is some good news. You can apply for an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle. This will allow you to drive (under certain restricted conditions) i.e., to and from work, while your Arizona Driver’s License suspension is in effect.
If you are required to obtain an ignition interlock device ordered by a court or the Motor Vehicle Division, you must find a company that handles the installation and pay a fee to have it installed. Thereafter, the company will charge a monthly maintenance fee while it is on your vehicle.
Are DUIs felonies or Misdemeanors?
Felony charges are more serious than misdemeanor charges. Whether your charge is classified as a felony or misdemeanor depends on many factors. Some examples of felony DUI charges are listed below:
- If you have three DUIs in the span of seven years.
- If you get a DUI when a minor is your passenger.
- If you get a DUI with a suspended driver’s license.
- If your DUI causes injury or death.
If you have been charged with a DUI, whether felony or misdemeanor, go here.
What To Do After You Get a DUI
Knowing the DUI facts isn’t enough to plead your case in court. Hiring the right Arizona DUI lawyer is the best course of action to make sure you get the best outcome. Your case matters and so does your future. While spending money on a lawyer is costly, it’s nothing compared to the time and money wasted if you are convicted and you face the worst possible outcome.
Read through these DUI facts, but before you navigate your case alone, call an Arizona DUI lawyer that can help you. Choose a lawyer with over 20 years of experience in the world of DUI law. Contact Killham Law Office to get the help you need with your DUI case.
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