Today, we focus on a topic that impacts many Arizonians: Driving Under the Influence (DUI). Arizona is renowned for having some of the strictest DUI laws in the United States, and understanding these can make a crucial difference. Let’s delve into these laws, the associated penalties, defenses available, and the stringent enforcement practices in our state.
Understanding Arizona’s DUI Laws: The Statutes
In Arizona, the law (A.R.S §28-1381) states that it’s illegal for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any intoxicating substances, if the person is impaired to the slightest degree. If a person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving, they can be charged with DUI.
For more severe instances, Arizona law (A.R.S §28-1382) recognizes “Extreme DUI” and “Super Extreme DUI”. Extreme DUI applies if a person’s BAC is 0.15% or more but less than 0.20%, while Super Extreme DUI is charged when a BAC of 0.20% or more is detected.
Arizona’s “No Tolerance” Policy for DUI: An In-Depth Look from Phoenix to Tucson and Beyond
In addition to the stringent DUI laws that apply in every corner of Arizona, from the bustling streets of Phoenix to the vibrant neighborhoods of Tucson, it’s critical to understand our state’s “No Tolerance” policy for driving under the influence. Arizona’s policy, unique compared to lenient laws in some states, means that a driver can face DUI charges even if their BAC is below the typical legal limit of 0.08%.
This stringent law, recognized statewide from Mesa to Chandler, as outlined in A.R.S. §28-1381(A)(1), maintains that it’s unlawful for an individual to operate a vehicle under the influence of “liquor, any drug, a vapor releasing substance containing a toxic substance or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor releasing substances if the person is impaired to the slightest degree.”
Essentially, if a law enforcement officer in any Arizona jurisdiction, be it Scottsdale or Glendale, believes you’re impaired even to the slightest degree due to alcohol or drugs, you can face DUI charges irrespective of your BAC level. This judgment could be based on observed driving behavior, physical symptoms, or performance in field sobriety tests.
Implications of the No Tolerance Policy Across Arizona
Arizona’s “No Tolerance” policy, rigorously enforced from Tempe to Gilbert, can lead to a grey area in DUI cases, as ‘impairment to the slightest degree’ can be subjective. In these circumstances, it becomes paramount to secure representation from an attorney well-versed in Arizona’s DUI laws, able to closely scrutinize the officer’s observations and the circumstances of the arrest.
Defending Against No Tolerance DUI Charges in Arizona
Mounting a defense in “No Tolerance” DUI cases can be intricate, particularly as they often revolve around challenging the officer’s judgment of impairment. Some common defense strategies utilized by attorneys in cities like Peoria and Surprise could include highlighting a lack of concrete evidence of impairment, questioning the legitimacy of the traffic stop, challenging the administration and results of field sobriety tests, or providing alternative explanations for perceived signs of impairment.
Penalties for DUI in Arizona
Arizona employs a tiered penalty system for DUI offenses. For first-time offenders with a regular DUI conviction, penalties can include a minimum of ten consecutive days in jail, a fine of at least $1,250, mandatory alcohol screening/education/treatment, community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device in any vehicle the person drives.
Extreme and Super Extreme DUIs lead to harsher penalties, with a minimum of 30 consecutive days in jail for Extreme DUI and a minimum of 45 consecutive days for Super Extreme DUI. Furthermore, the fines increase, with a minimum of $2,500 for Extreme DUI and a minimum of $3,250 for Super Extreme DUI.
Subsequent DUI convictions escalate the severity of the penalties. A third DUI offense within seven years, classified as Aggravated DUI under A.R.S §28-1383, leads to a minimum of four months in prison, a fine of at least $4,000, license revocation for three years, mandatory alcohol screening/education/treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock device.
Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis in Arizona
With the legalization of recreational cannabis use in Arizona, another dimension has been added to DUI laws in the state. The Arizona Marijuana Act, approved in 2020, allows adults 21 and over to possess and use marijuana. However, it is still illegal to drive, fly, or boat while impaired to the slightest degree by marijuana or any other drug. This is covered under the same statute as alcohol DUIs (A.R.S. §28-1381).
A driver can be arrested and convicted for DUI if they are under the influence of marijuana and impaired to the slightest degree, even if they have a legal amount of marijuana in their system. Unlike alcohol, there is no established legal limit for the amount of THC, the psychoactive component in cannabis, that a driver can have in their system. This can make DUI cases involving marijuana complex and somewhat subjective, as it is often up to the discretion of the officer and the court to determine whether a driver was impaired.
Arizona law enforcement officers are trained to recognize the signs of marijuana impairment, which can include slowed reaction times, impaired motor coordination, and distorted perception. Field sobriety tests, along with blood tests, can be used to determine if a driver is impaired by marijuana.
Defenses in marijuana DUI cases can be similar to those in alcohol DUI cases, including challenging the accuracy and administration of field sobriety tests and blood tests. It’s also possible to argue that the driver was not actually impaired, even if they had consumed marijuana.
Penalties for driving under the influence of marijuana can be just as severe as for alcohol DUIs, including jail time, fines, mandatory drug treatment programs, community service, and installation of an ignition interlock device.
Potential Defenses in Arizona DUI Cases
Several defenses can potentially be used in Arizona DUI cases. These include:
- Questioning the Traffic Stop: If the officer did not have reasonable suspicion to initiate the traffic stop, any evidence obtained during the stop may be suppressed.
- Challenging Field Sobriety Tests: The accuracy of field sobriety tests can be questioned, as these tests can be influenced by various factors such as medical conditions, weather, or poor instructions.
- Contesting Blood/Breath Tests: The accuracy and administration of blood or breath tests can also be challenged, including the handling of samples and calibration of devices.
- Contesting and following the chain of custody regarding the actual handling of blood is always a process Tamou Law will utilize in your defense)
Enforcement of DUI Laws in Arizona
Arizona law enforcement agencies strictly enforce DUI laws. Regular sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols are established, especially during holidays and major events. Officers are trained in detecting signs of impairment and can administer field sobriety tests and chemical tests to determine a person’s BAC.
Conclusion
Arizona’s strict DUI laws are designed to deter drunk and drugged driving, ensuring safer roads. Understanding these laws, potential penalties, defenses, and enforcement practices is crucial. If facing DUI charges, it’s imperative to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can provide necessary guidance and representation. always, this blog aims to inform and educate but does not replace professional legal counsel. If you need legal advice, please call Tamou Law today and setup your free consultation.
