Arizona DUI Laws
About Arizona DUI Laws
Arizona DUI laws are rigid and unforgiving. And, in Arizona a DUI is not limited just to driving drunk. Arizona law punishes a DUI with a criminal misdemeanor. There are harsher penalties for extreme and aggravated forms of this crime. Underage persons charged with a DUI also face a criminal misdemeanor.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence in Arizona results in stiff penalties under rigid laws. A person is considered to be driving under the influence in Arizona if: 1.) they are under control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, i.e., liquor, drug, vapor, or any combination thereof; or 2.) they are in control of a motor vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or more within two hours of driving. Further, if a minor (anyone under 21) is in physical control of a motor vehicle while there is any spirituous liquor in their system, they can be convicted of an underage DUI. This is a misdemeanor criminal conviction. These are the basic Arizona laws for driving under the influence.
However, the state goes on to enforce stiffer penalties for gross offenders of their laws. A person can be charged with an Extreme DUI if they have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.15 or more within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle.
A person is committing Aggravated Driving Under the Influence if: 1.) they are under control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating substance, i.e., liquor, drug, vapor, or any combination thereof; or 2.) they are in control of a motor vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or more within two hours of driving; and 3.) the person's driver license or privilege to drive is cancelled, suspended, revoked, or refused.
DUI Charges in Arizona
DUI charges in Arizona are separated into two classifications. First, it's unlawful to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of any intoxicating substance. This is considered a misdemeanor criminal conviction. Next, it's unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of .08 or more within two hours of operation. Violation of this statute also results in a misdemeanor criminal conviction. Often, drivers are charged with both offenses. The penalties for a first time offender include serving at least 10 days in jail and fines of no less than $425, plus administrative fee and court costs.
As you can see, Arizona DUI Laws are more complicated and thorough than simply driving drunk. Being charged with a DUI is punishable with the charge of criminal misdemeanor. And, the penalties are harsher for aggravated and extreme forms of the crime. In tandem with the charge of criminal misdemeanor, come court fees and costs, jail time, restricted driving privileges, and more.
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Drunk Driving is commonly referred to as DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), DUII (Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants), OMVI (Operating Motor Vehicle Intoxicated), and OUI (Operation Under the Influence), and other acronyms OWI, DUIL, DWUI.
