Arizona DUI Info

Just because most DUIs in Arizona are misdemeanors does not mean that the state has not set some hardline consequences. If you have a DUI charge and you are worried about your driving privileges… you should be. If you are wondering how likely you are to lose your driver’s license, the answer is very likely. Actually, if you can’t beat your charges, you should expect to spend some time without your driver’s license.

Your next question probably is, “how much time?” It’s difficult to answer that one without knowing the circumstances of your case.

 

Length Of Driver’s License Suspension

 

Most people have their driver’s licenses suspended for 90 days when they are convicted of a first offense. This includes those people who are charged with an extreme DUI.

 

In case you are wondering, an extreme DUI means that a person was extremely intoxicated while he was driving or during the two hour period following his arrest. Some of the penalties for this charge are more severe than they would be for a regular DUI but driving privileges are not usually affected.

 

But, there are some things that can cause you to lose your license for longer than 90 days. One example is hurting someone while you were driving under the influence. Another example is having other DUI convictions.

 

Refusing A Test

 

People who drive in Arizona make deals that they are usually not aware of until they are faced with DUI charges. Those deals involve you agreeing to take substance tests if the police have a good reason to believe that you are intoxicated. This agreement is called implied consent.

Most people are smart enough to know that substance tests are very important in DUI cases. The results of those tests alone can lead to conviction. Some people decide that they may be able to beat the charges against them if they refuse to take a breath or blood test, and that may be true.

The problem is that it may get you off the hook in some ways but it will drive a hook straight through your driver’s license and allow Arizona’s MVD to snatch it away from you. If you refused to take a substance test, you can lose your license for a whole year. It does not matter if you are convicted of the DUI charge or not. Refusing to take a test is a separate offense with a separate penalty.

 

DUIs And CDLs

 

Arizona law views the offense of driving under the influence more seriously if you have a CDL. Normally, the alcohol limit for a DUI is .08. If a person is driving a commercial vehicle when he is arrested, the alcohol limit is reduced to .04. A person with a CDL can even be charged for a DUI in his own vehicle if he has a blood alcohol level of .04. If either of these circumstances apply to you, instead of losing your license for 90 days, you can lose them for a year. You will also have 8 points added to your driving record.

 

DUIs And Minors

 

When talking about a DUI, a minor is anyone under 21. It is already illegal for people to drink alcohol at that age. In Arizona, it is also illegal for a minor to drive with any amount of alcohol in his system. If you are under 21 and you get caught, MVD can take your license for two years.

 

Restricted Driver’s Licenses

 

For a first time offender, a restricted driver’s license is often available. But, it is not immediately available. Even if you qualify, you cannot get restricted driving privileges until after your license has been suspended for 30 days. You will also be required to get an ignition interlock device installed. This is a machine that you blow into and it will test your breath. If it senses alcohol, your vehicle will not start.

 

The restricted driver’s license will only allow you to drive for certain reasons. This includes getting to work, doctors appointments, and probation appointments. But, the news is not so bright for commercial drivers. In Arizona, restricted driving cannot be used to continue a commercial driving job.

 

DUI Lawyers

 

There are lawyers who specialize in DUI cases. If you are worried that you cannot manage without your driver’s license you should schedule a consultation. Many DUI lawyers offer consultations for free.