Arizona, like every other state, has DUI laws that are meant to discipline drivers from getting behind the wheels after a few glasses of alcoholic beverages. If officers see you driving with elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) then you could be convicted of a DUI. The legal limit for a BAC in the bloodstream is 0.08% for a personal vehicle and 0.04% for commercial vehicles, whereby any value higher than the limit is considered intoxication. The BAC examination has to be conducted within two hours of the arrest to be considered valid.
DUI Arrests in Arizona
Submission to a BAC test is an ideal option once you are arrested for a potential DUI case. Remember that your refusal to take the test will automatically suspend your driving license. Once you are arrested, you will have to face two cases, one in Arizona’s court system and the other is with the Motor Vehicle Department. To protect your chance to drive again, you should immediately act and request the MVD hearing within 15 days after your arrest. To help you carry out the necessary legal paperwork, it should be in your best interest to consult a qualified DUI attorney. An Arizona DUI lawyer can assist you every step of the way.
Basic Consequences for First Time Offenders
DUI and drunk-driving convictions in Arizona can mean different types of penalties. For first time DUI convictions with BAC above 0.08% but below 0.15%, drivers can expect to face the following consequences:
If you want to serve one-day sentence in jail, the court may allow you to do so provided that you accept counseling that is offered by the court. Given that you are arrested the second time around within the five-year duration or if your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you will obviously face more serious consequences.
License Suspensions for Arizona DUI
Apart from the mentioned punishments and penalties, under the Arizona DUI laws, you will also lose your right to drive once you are arrested and convicted with a DUI case. Depending on number of times you are considered to be a DUI offender, you will not be able to drive in the following suspension:
Your refusal to undergo a BAC test will consequently revoke your license for a minimum of one year. You may apply for a restricted license with the MVD provided that there are no extenuating circumstances surrounding your arrest otherwise you may lose your license for a longer period. First time offenders can have the restricted license that allows them to “restrictively” drive after 30 days.
Insurance Consequences
There is no doubt that Arizona laws are a bit harsh. Apart from the given consequences, you will also face difficulties with your insurance carrier. You will either lose your insurance coverage or you have to pay higher rates for the coverage. In case that the policy provider drops your coverage, you will definitely find it difficult to have another company cover you. Remember that you cannot have your license back unless you are covered by a policy.