Information About New DUI Penalties in Arizona
- Obtain Legal Representation
- First DUI Offense
- Ignition Interlock Device
- Aggravated DUI
- Contact Phillips & Associates for an Arizona DUI Attorney
When you get arrested for driving under the influence and are taken to jail, it's generally not advisable to plead guilty, even though you may think pleading not guilty will be fruitless. Most DUI lawyers will tell you that pleading guilty is the worst thing you can do. That's because having a DUI conviction on your record can haunt you for life. If you're charged with DUI, it's important that you understand the new DUI penalties outlined in Arizona DUI law so that you can know the potential consequences of your arrest.
Obtain Legal Representation
First of all, before you do anything, you should ask for a DUI attorney. You have the right to counsel. If you can't afford one, the court must appoint one to you. So before you say anything, ask for an attorney and wait for his or her guidance before proceeding with your case.
First DUI Offense
The new DUI penalties in Arizona mark a first offense DUI as a class 1 misdemeanor. This is a very serious charge. If you are convicted of a first offense DUI, you face a minimum mandatory jail sentence of one to ten days with a maximum term of six months. You also face a fines ranging from $250.00 to $2500.00 plus surcharges and you will be put on probation for up to five years. Your driver's license will be suspended or restricted. If your driver's license was suspended because of a breath test, your license will be suspended for ninety days. If you don't have any prior convictions, you may receive a restricted license after thirty days. However, a good lawyer can get the breath test thrown out of court, thus saving your license.
Ignition Interlock Device
The new DUI penalties in Arizona also require that every personal automobile that a sentenced DUI offender owns be fitted with a certified ignition interlock device, which tests the breath for alcohol. If the device determines you have alcohol in your system, the car will not start. This device is to remain on your car for a period of at least one year after your license is reinstated.
Second DUI Offense
New DUI penalties in Arizona state that a second offense DUI requires longer mandatory jail sentences and higher fines.
Extreme DUI
New DUI penalties in Arizona include Extreme DUI's. The extreme DUI charge was added to Arizona laws in 1998. A DUI is considered extreme when a person's BAC is higher than the statutory minimum, which is 0.15%. This charge carries a mandatory minimum jail term of thirty days, fines not to exceed $2500, probation and it also requires your car to be fitted with an ignition interlock device.
Aggravated DUI
New DUI penalties in Arizona also include aggravated DUI. This type of DUI is a class 4 felony and is extremely serious. Work release programs are not allowed with this new DUI penalty in Arizona. Your freedom and property are at stake with this type of charge so it's imperative that you get an attorney who has experience with this type of case as you are likely to go to prison. With this type of charge, you are deemed a threat to society.
Contact Phillips & Associates for an Arizona DUI Attorney
Contact the DUI attorneys at Phillips & Associates for more information regarding the new DUI penalties in Arizona, as well as your options for avoiding a conviction or receiving the absolute minimum sentence for your DUI charge. We offer a free initial consultation, so don't hesitate to contact our Arizona law offices today.
- Types of DUI / DWI Cases
- Arizona DUI Laws
- DUI Testing
- DUI Penalties in Arizona
- DUI Defenses
- Frequently Asked DUI Questions
- Choosing a DUI Lawyer
Areas We Serve Frequently
- Phoenix
- Tempe
- Scottsdale
- Flagstaff
- Tucson
- Glendale
- Mesa
- Prescott
- Winslow
- Maricopa
Contact Us Today
Phoenix
Glendale
Metro
602-258-8888
Scottsdale
Mesa
East-Valley
480-827-8888
Toll Free
United States
1-800-706-3000
Toll Free
California
1-800-706-3000