What are Arizona’s drunk driving penalties?

Posted on August 14, 2014 in DUI Charges

If you are charged in connection with a suspected DUI offense, there are a number of factors that affect how serious those charges and their potential penalties may be. Whatever the case, any form of criminal charge can look bad and cause you problems in your home and professional life. It is important to know your rights and remember that you are deemed tobe innocent unless proven guilty.

As is explained by DMV.org, some of the factors affecting DUI penalties in Arizona include the following:

• The age of the driver deemed to be intoxicated.
• Blood alcohol content.
• Previous offenses.
• Whether the vehicle is a commercial vehicle.
• Whether any passengers are below the age of 15.

For a first offense in Arizona, if you are convicted, you could face jail time of up to 10 days. You may be required to complete a program of education, treatment or screening for alcohol or drugs. You may also face community service, fines of up to $1,250 and a requirement for an ignition interlock device on any vehicles you drive. Subsequent offenses carryheavier penalties, with year-long license revocations. You could face fines of $3,000 and jail terms of 90 days or more.

In the case of what is deemed to be an extreme DUI, the penalties become even more severe. Extreme DUI refers to instances where the driver’s Blood Alcohol Concentration is found to be 0.15 or higher. These convictions come with 30-day jail terms and increased fines even on a first offense.

As you can see, receiving a DUI conviction can have serious consequences. However, it is possible to avoid conviction or at least enter a plea deal to reduce the charges against you. An attorney can help you to make the right decisions and challenge the allegations against you.