Being arrested for a DUI is commonly an intimidating experience in which your future hangs in the balance. You may believe you have no chance against the State when charged with DUI, but this is not true. Any alleged offense can be defended against, and DUIs are no different. Many aspects of these charges can be investigated and explored for flaws, including improper police procedures, faulty testing protocols and equipment, and more.
Even though DUI is a severe offense, any case may lead to charges being dropped, reduced, or disproven in court. However, you will need an attorney who is committed to thoroughly investigating your case and who knows what to look for in uncovering flaws and mistakes that undermine the prosecution’s case. At Alatorre Law, you can turn to an experienced professional with more than 20 years of experience investigating charges, building defense strategies, and working vigorously on behalf of clients. If you’re looking for more information about how Alatorre law can help with a potential DUI arrest, defending your license from a DUI suspension and more, watch our DUI video today.
Arizona has many statutes related to DUI charges. These range from first-offense misdemeanors to felony violations. They pertain to adult drivers, underage drivers, and commercial license holders found driving a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Arizona DUI Laws
In Arizona, as well as across the nation, you are legally impaired and therefore in violation of the law, if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures .08 percent or higher. You can also be arrested for DUI with a BAC lower than this if you show signs of being impaired to the slightest degree. Furthermore, you can be arrested even if your car was not in motion but you were in “physical control” of it. Juries decide this by looking at all of the circumstances involved, such as whether your engine was running, your keys were in the ignition, and more.
CALL US TODAY
Your first step in fighting a DUI is to put a seasoned and knowledgeable defense attorney on your side as soon as possible. You can do that by contacting Alatorre Law to discuss the details of your DUI arrest and find out what we can do in your defense.
Arizona DUI Penalties
DUI penalties will depend on your BAC, whether your arrest is a first offense or subsequent offense, and other factors, such as a DUI resulting in injury or death to another.
First DUI Offense
First-offense DUI with a BAC of 0.08 percent or more carries the following penalties:
Extreme DUI – AZ
Arizona also has an “extreme” DUI statute that provides higher penalties depending on the driver’s BAC. A DUI with a BAC of 0.15 percent up to .199 percent carries a minimum sentence of 30 consecutive days in jail. A DUI with a BAC of .20 percent or more requires a minimum sentence of 45 consecutive days in jail. The financial assessments for these offenses total $2,000, and they are added to your total fine and surcharges.
Required ignition interlock devices must be installed over your car’s ignition; these devices are similar to breathalyzers that you must blow into to measure your BAC every time you drive. You will be required to pay for the installation and maintenance of such a device when convicted of DUI.
DUI Felony
A DUI may be charged as a felony in the following circumstances:
License Suspensions
Your license will automatically be suspended within 30 days of the order of suspension on the date of your DUI arrest unless unless you request a hearing with the Executive Hearing Office of the Arizona Department of Transportation to contest it. At the hearing, you will have the chance to present your case in defense of retaining your license. Our DUI attorney can represent you at the hearing to challenge the loss of your license with a well-prepared strategy.
Don’t settle for second-best when everything is at stake. Choose Javier Alatorre and his team, the defenders, fighters, and advocates you deserve. Call now for your free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your life, your family, and your future. Justice starts here.
We provide a comprehensive range of legal services, addressing both criminal and civil matters. As an experienced criminal defense lawyer with over 20 years of practice, Javier Alatorre is committed to offering personalized and strategic representation across various practice areas to help our clients achieve the best possible outcomes.
1 S Church Ave, Suite 115
Tuscon, AZ 85701
(520) 377-7726
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