2 days ago I was charge with DWI and Im wondering what the penalty for that in Arizona. Will I lose my license? How much is the increase with my car insurance?

Franz

Chandler, Arizona AZ

Any driver in Arizona that has a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% while driving or is in actual control of a vehicle can be convicted of a DWI or Driving While Intoxicated if caught. This level of BAC has shown to significantly impair a driver’s ability to effectively drive, making it more likely for a drunk driving accident to occur. Anyone convicted of a DWI can expect costly fines and jail time. One would also need to carry a DWI insurance coverage one he/she is allowed to drive again.

The state of Arizona has the following punishments for a DWI offender: $450 fine + $500 DWI Assessment, up to 10 days in prison, and 30 – 360 day license suspension for the 1st offense. $900 fine + $1,250 DWI Assessment, 90 days incarceration, and one year license suspension plus the need to install (at the offender’s expense) of an Interlock Ignition Device after the 2nd offense.

3rd time offenders are fined $1,350 + $250 DWI assessment and an additional $1500 Aggravated DWI assessment, 4 months incarceration, and three years license suspension. All vehicles owned by the driver must have the Interlock Ignition Device.

Getting the right kind of DWI insurance policy is important not only because it is a state requirement, but also because it can save you hundreds of dollars a year on your auto insurance coverage. The Web is a great resource for anyone looking to get the most affordable DWI insurance coverage today.

With the many dedicated online DWI specialists and auto insurance portals, these days it only takes a few minutes to access and compare the latest DWI insurance rates, coming from a variety of specialized auto insurance companies and providers, for the most affordable insurance policy in the market. These portals save you time and effort, while helping you get your life back on the road as quickly as possible.

My DUI case is proceeding to trial after I have pleaded not guilty. If the arresting officer doesn’t show up at trial, can I have my DUI case dismissed?

Broderick

Mesa, AZ

A large number of driver’s license suspensions that are overturned by the Department of Motor Vehicles are done so because the police officer involved in the DUI case failed to show up at the formal administrative review hearing. Moreover, a lot of DUI charges are totally dismissed or reduced into lesser offenses because the police officer failed to show up for court in the DUI case.

There are two circumstances that a police officer would be asked to appear in court in your DUI trial in Mesa, Arizona and his/her failure to appear could result in a dismissal or a reduced charge. The police officer should appear in court at the hearing on a motion to suppress the evidence against you and at the trial. Filing the motion to suppress would place the police officer in the position of having to appear in court and would place you in the position of potentially having your case DUI dismissed.

My daughter got a DUI charge here in Arivaca, Arizona and I heard that there would be a license suspension that is different than the one if she will be convicted for the DUI offense. What kinds of license suspensions could she be facing?

Amara

Arivaca, AZ

The Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) DUI license suspension is different from the DUI license suspension by a conviction. This kind of suspension is commonly referred to as the administrative license suspension. There are two types of administrative license suspensions that are common in Arizona DUI cases. These license suspensions actually have nothing to do with the DUI suspect’s ultimate innocence or guilt in the DUI case. On your daughter’s DUI arrest in Arivaca, Arizona, if she refused a blood, urine or breath test or was not able to complete a test, she may face a minimum of one year license revocation. If she took the blood alcohol test but failed it, she may face a minimum of a 90-day license suspension.

The other license suspension that she may face would be the suspension by a conviction. If she will be convicted for DUI, the court that the conviction took place will send an abstract to the MVD. Once the MVD gets a word of the DUI conviction, their policies will dictate what happens next. If it is a first DUI conviction in a five-year frame, the MVD would not take action because of the conviction if an administrative license suspension has already been issued.

Clearly, a DUI case took its toll on me. I was charged with drunk driving. I have so many questions regarding my case. First, will I be charged to speak to a lawyer about my DUI case? How is the DMV license suspension or revocation different from the suspension or revocation if I will be convicted? I also wonder, how long will it take to settle my DUI case?

Matthew

Gilbert, AZ

Most law firms offer free initial consultation so you will not be charged to speak to a lawyer about your DUI case in Gilbert, Arizona. Also, there is no obligation for obtaining a professional evaluation of your DUI case.

Regarding the length of time your DUI case is gonna be settled, it actually varies depending on many factors. This would include whether this is a first or multiple offense, whether your case is a misdemeanor or a felony, if it involves enhancements and negotiated or taken to trial. Normally, most DUI cases span a minimum of several months.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) revocation or suspension is an administrative action taken against your driving privilege only. The revocation or suspension after a conviction is a mandatory action for which fine, jail, or other criminal penalty can be imposed.