Driving while impaired (DWI), officially known as driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona, refers to driving while drunk or drugged. Arizona state laws prohibit motorists from driving vehicles if:
What counts as DUI or DWI may vary per state, so make sure to check with your state law. If you’ve been charged with a DUI or DWI, speak with a DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible.
You may be charged with impaired driving in Arizona even if without driving your vehicle, as long as you were determined to be in actual physical control of the vehicle. Factors to be considered by a judge or jury during the determination include:
Arizona driving laws recognizes that some drivers may be sleeping it off in their car and did not have intentions of driving while intoxicated. If you were charged with DUI even though you were sleeping it off, consult with a DWI attorney about your case to discuss whether you can use this as a defense.
The penalties for drunk-driving vary depending on the blood alcohol level of the driver, and whether they had a prior DUI conviction, or was a first-time offender. The possible jail times, fines, suspension of license, and installation of ignition interlock device (IID) are shown in the table below. Getting a third DUI offense within seven years is considered a felony, and entails a sentence of at least four months jail time, getting your license revoked for a year, a two-year IID requirement, and hefty fines.
| BLOOD ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION (BAC) | ||||
| 0.08% – 0.149% | 0.15% – 0.199% | 0.20% and over | ||
| Jail time | First Offense | ≥ 10 days | ≥ 30 days | ≥ 45 days |
| Subsequent Offenses | ≥ 90 days | ≥ 120 days | ≥ 180 days | |
| Fines | First Offense | ≥ $1,500 | ≥ $3,000 | ≥ $3,250 |
| Subsequent Offenses | ≥ $3,000 | ≥ $3,250 | ≥ $4,250 | |
| License Suspension | First Offense | at least 90 days | ||
| Subsequent Offenses | at least a year, eligible for a restricted license after 45 days if IID was installed) | |||
| Ignition Interlock Device (IID) | First Offense | 1 year, eligible for a six-month reduction | 1 year | 1 year |
| Subsequent Offenses | mandatory one year | |||
Arizona also has implied consent laws, which require all drivers to submit to a breath test or a blood test after a lawful DUI arrest. Refusing to test your blood alcohol content will result in license suspension for a year for a first offense DUI, and two years for repeat offenders.
Are you facing charges of DUI or DWI in Phoenix, Arizona? Hiring a Phoenix DUI defense attorney who is well-versed in Arizona DUI laws makes a big difference in the outcome of your face. Call The Law Office of Howard A. Snader, LLC and get a free case evaluation today!
