So it is that day of the year again, St. Patrick’s Day everyone pretends they are Irish and drinks green beer. As with every drinking holiday, someone the next day will say I got a DUI last night, what now? Everyone should understand that Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws and the punishments are extreme. So before you get into that car after one, two or eight green beers, remember it is cheaper in the long run to take a taxi or uber home. However, should you make the decision to drive home and you are arrested for DUI, you should know what penalties your are facing. There are three levels of DUI in Arizona: (1) Standard DUI, (2) Extreme DUI and (3) Aggravated DUI. The first is driving with a bac >.08 but <.150. This carries the maximum of Six (6) months in jail and a minimum of 10 days in jail, alcohol screening and up to $1,250.00 in fines. The Extreme DUI > .150, you face potentially no less than 30 days in jail and $2,500.00 in fines. These penalties all increase if you have had a prior DUI within 84 months.
The aggravated DUI occurs when you are driving on a suspended, revoked or cancelled license or when it is your 3rd DUI within 84 months. This subjects you to prison time, that is you are held in an Arizona Department of Corrections‘ facility for potentially up to 2 years.
This is just a brief summary of the potential penalties you face if arrested for DUI in Arizona. The reality is you are better off not driving, but if you are arrested do not make a second mistake and try and go it alone, you should at least speak with an attorney who handles DUI matters.
