The new Arizona DUI laws was implemented on September 26, 2008 without much fanfare from the media. Under the new law, first time offenders will spend more time in jail for an extreme DUI charge. Here we will look at the new provisions set forth in the current Arizona law.
In the previous law, if you are charged with DUI and has a blood alcohol content of more than 0.150, your prison term would be a minimum of 30 days of which all except 10 days can be suspended. This was the longest prison term and no more than that. With the new law, the judge no longer has the power to suspend any of the 30 day prison term. Thus, this is the minimum days of imprisonment.
For a second DUI charge, the corresponding jail term has become even longer. If found guilty of a DUI offense, you could find yourself being imprisoned for a period of 120 days. Half of the prison term can, however, be suspended by the judge. For many people, this is attributed to the fact that most lawmakers do not trust that the courts will do something that will make politicians look good, since during that time it was election year.
Not only will the sentence give an offender a longer prison sentence but also make the jail system even worse. Prisons in the United States is already suffering from overcrowding and DUI lawyers will need to work hard in order to free their clients from a prison term that could permanently change their lives.
With these new laws in place already, it is vital to find an Arizona DUI lawyer to defend you in court and see to it that you would not spend a long time in jail. There are many law firms in the state which are eager to offer their services to you. However, you need to be careful with these firms because there are a handful of them who are only after your money.
When searching for an attorney, always look at their track record as well as their credibility. Of course, it is important that the lawyer you are considering fits your budget and need. Remember your future is at stake here so do your best to find a lawyer with a winning record.
The jury is still up in the air as far as the new Arizona DUI laws is concerned. Nevertheless, there is nothing more important than getting an Arizona DUI lawyer especially with the tough state laws.