DUI offenses have varying sanctions from one state to another. In Arizona, the sanctions are determined based on the kind of charges and if you have an existing criminal record. A previous DUI charge within the last seven years can have an impact on the severity of your sentence. Throughout the process, having an Arizona DUI lawyer can make a huge difference.
However, if you have zero record of felony, the penalties that will be applied will depend on the number of times you have committed the DUI offense. For first time offenders, if your BAC is more than 0.08%, your prison term can range from 10 to 180 days. Nine of the ten days you will spend in jail will be devoted for alcohol consultation, evaluation, and treatment.
In addition, you will be paying a fine of $1,800 not including the jail expenses. Aside from that, your driver’s license will be revoked for 3 months and you might be placed under probation for a maximum of 5 years. There will be additional community service and you will need to install an ignition interlock device for one year.
For a second offense, the charges will be much higher. The minimum jail time is 90 days but a couple of months may be suspended if you complete the alcohol consultation, evaluation, and treatment. The fine will be much higher as well at $3,500 including jail expenses.
Aside from that, your license will be suspended for 12 months and you will be under probation for 5 years. Community service is mandatory for at least 30 hours and you will be required to install an ignition interlock device for a year after your license has been returned.
If you are charged with DUI for the third time or during the revocation of your license, your offense will be elevated to class 4 felony. Here the penalties may include 4 months imprisonment and a maximum fine of $150,000. Along with the penalties, your license will be suspended for 3 years.
If there is a child below 15 years old during the accident, you may be charged with class 6 felony. In this case, you will spend a longer time in jail and your vehicle might be confiscated. The fines and license revocation for class 4 felony applies.
In these hard times, it really pays to have an Arizona DUI lawyer by your side. They know what to do and they can work out the most favorable outcome for you.