Severe Penalties in Arizona for High Blood Alcohol Content Levels
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to serious consequences in Arizona.
November 06, 2012
Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to serious consequences in Arizona. The state has a law penalizing anyone convicted of DUI whose blood alcohol test indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or greater within two hours after being stopped on suspicion of drunk driving. Additionally, Arizona law prescribes stiffer penalties for drivers whose blood alcohol content is 0.15 percent or above.Arizona DUI Laws
Under Arizona law, a person may face DUI charges if his or her blood alcohol concentration was 0.08 percent or higher within two hours of being stopped on suspicion of drunk driving. A person convicted of a first-time DUI may face a possible sentence of 10 days in jail, fines totaling $1,250 and court-ordered community restitution. Alternatively, an individual may be ordered to serve one day in jail and complete an alcohol or drug treatment program with a suspended sentence.
In addition to these penalties, a person convicted of DUI in Arizona also may be ordered to equip his or her vehicle with an ignition interlock device. Further, his or her driver's license will be suspended for 90 days.
Extreme DUI
The penalties that may follow a DUI conviction increase markedly if the driver's blood alcohol content was 0.15 percent or higher. With a 0.15 percent to 0.19 percent blood alcohol content, a person convicted of "extreme DUI" faces a possible sentence of at least 30 days in jail, at least $2,500 in fines and community restitution.
If the individual is convicted of driving with a 0.20 percent blood alcohol content or higher, a sentence of 45 days in jail, $2,740 in fines and community restitution may be imposed. In both scenarios the driver may be ordered to use an ignition interlock device, and his or her driver's license will be automatically suspended as well.
If the driver is convicted of a second DUI within seven years of the first conviction, the possible penalties become even more severe.
Everyone's circumstances are unique, and Arizona's DUI laws are complex. If you have been arrested on suspicion of DUI in Arizona, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your situation and begin your legal defense.
Article provided by Janet Altschuler, Attorney at Law
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