Frequently Asked Questions About Tucson DUI and Drinking and Driving in Arizona

Get answers to frequently asked Tucson DUI and DWI Questions and Terms.  Low Cost DUI Lawyers in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona.  Affordable Pima County DUI Attorneys.

FAQ:  What other penalties do I face if I’m convicted of DUI in Tucson?

Pima County Superior Court, 110 W Congress St, Tucson, AZ 85701

A:  If you are arrested for DUI in Tucson, you will be facing a myriad of penalties.  In addition to revoking or suspension of your driver’s license, you could face a variety of other penalties for driving under the influence.  For example, steep monetary fines, probation, community service, mandatory alcohol treatment programs, rehabilitation, restitution, time in prison, and a
mark on your permanent record.  In addition, the Tucson Police Department, the Arizona Highway Patrol, or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department may impound your vehicle.  An arrest may also require the installation of an ignition interlock device in your car.

Furthermore, many people with DUI convictions are also subjected to social ostracism, limited future opportunities, damaged reputations, strained personal relationships, and loss of community.  When you have a conviction of DUI in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to negotiate with judges and prosecutors to try and lessen or reduce these penalties.

My AZ Lawyers knows the courts, the judges, and the Arizona DUI laws and process.  Our expert Arizona DUI firm is conveniently located in downtown Tucson.

FAQ:  What is an ignition interlock device?

A:  An ignition interlock device is very similar to a breathalyzer machine, the only difference is they install it in the dashboard of a car and an officer does not adminster the test.  The short of how it works is; before your car will turn on, you must breathe into the device.  If the amount of alcohol on your breath exceeds the legal limit, the engine will not start.  Furthermore, once you start driving it will randomly require you to provide additional breath samples to make sure there is still no alcohol in your system.  If you fail to provide a breath sample, or your BAC is above the legal limit, an alarm will go off until the ignition turns off. 

Additionally, the device keeps a log of its activity.  At specified intervals the log will print out, during which authorities may review it.  If authorities detect any violations, you will face additional penalties and charges by Tucson, Pima County, and Arizona State officials.

FAQ:  What kind of penalties am I facing if I am convicted of a DUI in Arizona? Why would be it in my best interest to fight it?

A:  In order to be charged with a DUI, typically in Arizona, there are various levels.  Under the age of 21 your BAC cannot be higher than 0.00.  It is zero tolerance.  Over the age of 21, 0.08 is the minimum in order to be charged with a DUI.  Similar to that, if you refuse to take a breathalyzer or a blood test, refusal is, on a first offense, an immediate one-year license suspension.  On a second refusal, it is an immediate two-year license suspension and it is the same on your third refusal if you would do so.

Jail Time/Fines For A First Offense, Second Offense, and Third Offense

The minimum jail time on a first offense is 24 hours; on a second offense, it is 30 days and there is no statutory minimum on a third offense.  In addition, there is a statute prohibiting pleading to anything less than a DUI offense or a wet traffic offense in Arizona.  To move on into fines the first offense, the base DUI fine, is approximately $250.  Also, there’s a DUI surcharge typically applied of $200.  There’s also a probation surcharge of $10, a prison construction assessment of $500, Arizona extra DUI assessment of $500 and, as previously stated, a minimum of 24 hours in prison up to 10 days in prison, and your license suspension is typically 90 days to up to one year.  While the court may also require installation of an interlock system in your vehicle.

For a second offense, obviously, the fines increase.  All of the initial previously stated surcharges double.  Similar to that, your jail time increases to a minimum of 30 days in jail, maximum of 90 days in jail.  Plus, there may be community restitution involved.  Your license suspension will be for one year.  It may also require an interlock system and also may require you to complete alcohol or other drug screening tests.

Thereafter, on your third offense, fines will double and the minimum jail time is approximately four months.  The license suspension remains one year.  Again, it may require an interlock system on your vehicle and it may also require you to complete alcohol or drug screenings.

FAQ:  If I have been charged with a DUI in Tucson, why do I need a Tucson DUI Lawyer? Won’t ANY lawyer do?

Handling a DUI case in Tucson can be a complicated affair with the potential for severe penalties.  A DUI is a criminal matter which will result in a criminal record.  Because of this, it is important that you get the most favorable result possible by obtaining effective legal representation from an attorney who is experienced in defending DUI cases.  Our highly-qualified Pima County criminal defense lawyers can do a number of things which will improve your chances for a more favorable case outcome.  Such as, challenge evidence, find flaws in the case, bring in expert witnesses, help you challenge a license suspension, and negotiate on your behalf with prosecutors and judges for reduced charges or penalties.  All of these legal actions can have a dramatic impact on your case and your punishment.

By all means, hire an experienced DUI lawyer if you are facing criminal charges as your future and your freedom are both at stake.

FAQ:  Is a DUI a felony in Arizona? 

A:  Most DUI offenses are classified as misdemeanors; however, under certain circumstances a DUI can be charged as a felony.  Aggravated DUI and Extreme DUI are both felonies in Arizona.  In the case of an extreme DUI, a person who is driving or in physical control of a vehicle with a BAC above 0.15 can be charged.  The penalties for an extreme DUI conviction are greater and more severe than a typical misdemeanor DUI charge.

Because a felony can have an effect much greater than a misdemeanor on your record, seek the best legal representation immediately following an arrest.  Lastly, My AZ Lawyers can help you with your DUI, protect your rights, and provide the legal service you need to get the best possible result for your case.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only.  Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only.  Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.  This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.