ArizonaWarrantRoundup.org

Traffic/DUI Laws

Arizona has some strict laws regarding the misuse of automotive vehicles. If you committed a felony in which a motor vehicle was used, you lied about the ownership or operation of a vehicle, were involved in a traffic accident where you did not provide aid to the person in need, were involved in a drive-by shooting, found guilty of two or more convictions of reckless driving or found guilty of driving under the influence you will surely be prosecuted.

The state of Arizona takes drunk driving very seriously and usually classifies a DUI under a misdemeanor if it's your first offense. However, if an individual has two or more prior DUI convictions in 5 years or less, the next offense will be charged as a felony. You can also be charged with a felony if you received a DUI while your driver's license had been revoked or suspended, or if a minor under fifteen years of age was in the motor vehicle at the time the offense took place.

In Arizona all you need to be convicted of driving under influence is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08. Once it's proven that an individual has a BAC at or above .08 percent, that person is considered intoxicated by Arizona law. There are instances, though, where you can be charged with a DUI even if you're under this percentage if it's deemed likely that you will endanger others. Note, If you've been arrested for a DUI you have fifteen(15) days to request a MVD hearing if you want to defend your driver's license status.

An individual may resist a blood alcohol content test, but his or her driver's license will subsequently be suspended for a minimum of one year upon a refusal or two years for a second refusal in a five-year time span.

Driving Under the Influence as a Minor
Arizona has zero tolerance for minors who drive under the influence. If you are under the age of 21 you will be charged with a DUI if it's proven you were operating a motor vehicle with any alcohol in your system whatsoever. In addition, your driver's license will be suspended. Depending on the severity of the offense the suspension will vary in time and can carry with it other possible punishments as well.

Arizona DUI Court Cases
All DUI cases in Arizona are tried by a six-people jury. This applies unless you waive your jury trial rights and submit to a trial by a judge. It's standard in Arizona to lose your driver's license for a length of time with almost every DUI conviction. Punishments can include multiple fines and jail time from a few days to several months or more depending upon the circumstances and history of prior DUI arrests.

ARIZONA DUI LAWS

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits and Implied Consent

BAC Limit           0.08

Zero Tolerance (Underage) BAC Limit      0.00

Enhanced Penalty (Aggravated) BAC Limit      0.15

Implied Consent to Submit to BAC Test?           Yes

Arizona DUI Laws: Select Penalties

Minimum License Suspension or Revocation       (1st, 2nd, 3rd offense) 90 days, 1 yr, 3 yrs

Mandatory Alcohol Education, Assessment and Treatment       Both

Vehicle Confiscation Possible?             No

Ignition Interlock Device Possible?               Yes (mandatory for all convictions)

In Arizona your driver's license may be suspended or revoked or you may be require to attend and successfully complete an approved TSS if you:

Have been convicted of frequent, serious offenses which violate Arizona driving laws and endanger the safety of citizens.

Have been convicted of reckless driving or are a repeated negligent driver.

Are medically unsafe to drive a motor vehicle.

Have committed a fraudulent use of your driver license.

Have an unresolved judgment from another state.

Have committed an offense for which mandatory revocation of the driving privilege is required upon conviction.