Reader’s Question:

Life really seems to be unfair sometimes. It was the first time ever that I had a few drinks and drove my way home. I was caught drunk driving and was charged with DUI here in Arizona. I know some people who have done that several times already but were never being caught. I guess maybe they were just lucky. Anyways, I have to know some important things about Arizona DUI laws. What are the penalties that are involved?

Christian

Tempe, AZ

Talking about being lucky, huh? It would be the opposite for you if you will be proven guilty of your DUI charge in Arizona.

If you are found to have less than .08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of your arrest, you are considered to be “impaired to the slightest degree” and will be sentenced to 10 days in jail, with nine days suspended provided you attend and complete an alcohol education seminar. You may have to pay about a minimum $1,450 in fines, but the judge can impose as much as $2,500 and you may serve jail time for six months. These penalties apply if your BAC is between .08 percent and less than .15 percent.

If the DUI offense is more serious and are found to have .15 percent BAC, be prepared to spend more time in jail as it will be 30 days, 20 days license provided you finish alcohol screening and education and agree to install an “ignition interlock device” in your vehicle. The judge can impose higher penalties and you can serve up to six months in jail, pay much more than $2,500 in fees and surcharges and be subject to about 3 years of probation.

Arizona State does not have to prove that you have a BAC of at least .08 percent to convict you. You can be convicted if they find any trace of alcohol and prove that it impairs your ability to drive.