Getting a ticket for DUI in Arizona can be confusing to Utah and Nevada residents who often travel through the Arizona strip and are not familiar with Arizona's harsh DUI laws. A DUI in Arizona is a criminal misdemeanor. Arizona essentially has three classes of DUI violations: DUI, Extreme DUI, and Aggravated DUI. The penalties for driving while intoxicated include jail time, substantial fines, and suspension of your driver's license. The specific penalties for driving while intoxicated include:
- DUI (blood alcohol level between 0.08 and 0.14)
- 10 days jail time, with possibility for 9 of 10 days suspended
- $1,250 minimum fine
- 90 day minimum suspension of license
- Certified ignition interlock required for 1 year
- May include community service
- Extreme DUI (blood alcohol level between 0.15 and 0.19)
- 30 days minimum jail time
- $2,500 minimum fine
- 90 day minimum suspension of license
- Certified ignition interlock required for 1 year
- May include community service
- Aggravated DUI
- The penalties for DUI can be increased if your blood alcohol level was 0.20 or more, or if you have prior DUI's.
Every DUI case is different and the facts of your case may provide you with a defense to DUI or a reason for receiving a reduced charge. If you have been cited with a DUI in Arizona, you should seek competent legal advice from from an Arizona licensed attorney. Jason Dixon is a St. George attorney, licensed in Arizona, who handles traffic citations and other criminal defense matters heard before the Moccasin, Arizona court.
