Fourth of July DUI in Arizona – A Costly Mistake

Arizona law enforcement plans to be out in full force this July Fourth holiday weekend, with increased patrols and more DUI checkpoints. Arizona is famous for its strict DUI laws and enforcement, but according to statistics, 31,000 DUI arrests were made in 2013. Despite numerous checkpoints and harsh penalties, many drivers are still being arrested for DUI every holiday weekend.

Law enforcement takes this trend seriously, as the risk posed by drivers taking to the road after drinking is exponentially raised. In Arizona, the amount of law enforcement on the road is also raised to accommodate a possible increase in DUI drivers. About 78 police agencies are predicted to have targeted DUI enforcement on the highways this weekend.

DUI Arrest and Conviction Penalties

Drinking and driving greatly increases your risk of being pulled over as well as being involved in an accident. Those who are found to have been drinking and driving can be arrested and charged with a DUI. While most charges are brought against those with blood alcohol levels of .08 percent or higher, in Arizona you can be charged with any amount of alcohol in your system if you are driving recklessly or dangerously.

DUIs are serious charges, even for first-time offenders. Your blood-alcohol level at the time of arrest generally determines the type of penalties you may receive if convicted. If it is not your first offence, or if another person is injured or killed by your recklessness, the penalties are even more serious. A first time DUI offender who has a blood-alcohol level between .08 and .15 can face 24 hours to 10 days in jail and a fine of $250. Any DUI conviction results in a license suspension, even for first-time offenders.

Arizona law does not provide a minimum jail sentence for multiple offenders, so it is up to the individual courts or judge to determine sentencing. If someone is injured or killed by a drunk driver, that driver will most likely face manslaughter charges. For those who are simply repeat offenders or have a blood-alcohol level over .15, a vehicle ignition interlock device will be installed in the vehicle. Heavy fines, license suspension, community service, and jail time are all very real possible penalties for repeat offender and extreme.

DUI Defense

As you can see, the penalties for DUI convictions are harsh, even for first time offenders. However, just because you are arrested for DUI does not mean you will be convicted for it and face these harsh penalties. Those who are able to successfully fight against DUI charges are often aided by experienced criminal defense DUI attorneys, like those at Alex Lane Law in Arizona. Utilize the experience and knowledge of the Alex Lane Law today to build a defense against your DUI charge.