DUI Overview
Whether you are a first-time offender that has recently been arrested under suspicion of drunk driving or you are looking at multiple charges including a felony DUI, the time to act is now. From Tempe to Scottsdale, any driving charge involving alcohol in Maricopa County can impact your life for years on end. This is why every driver should understand the basics of DUIs, some of the most common DUI consequences, and how the team here at Carlos Brown Law, PLLC can help you move past these charges as quickly as possible.
The DUI Arrest Process
Even first-time offenders with no previous charges on their record could face excessive fines, fees, and other penalties if convicted. It is important for drivers to take a look at the arrest process so that they have a better idea about how their case will unfold. First, the officer must have probable cause to officially arrest the driver and have them take a chemical blood alcohol content test. Until the driver is officially under arrest, they are not obligated to carry out any sobriety or breath tests. When the officer believes that they have a good enough case to officially charge them, they will detain the driver, take their license, and most likely impound the vehicle.
Levels of DUIs
Within cities such as Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Phoenix, many drivers are surprised to hear that there are a number of different DUI charges that they may be arrested for. A basic DUI is when a driver is arrested with a BAC higher than .08 and lower than .15 percent. An extreme DUI is given to drivers that are chemically tested with a BAC of higher than .15 percent. Finally, a driver can be charged with a super extreme DUI if their BAC is tested at .20 percent or higher.
DUI Consequences
For those facing a conviction for a DUI, there are a number of different consequences for the crime in various counties and states. Although jail time and fines are common penalties, there is a long list of other consequences that a judge may order to have you learn from the mistake.
A number of different areas have the same type of consequences for DUIs. Maricopa County, Pinal County, Mesa, Glendale, Gilbert, Tempe. Chandler, Pima County, and Scottsdale all prosecute on similar levels. For many people, getting a DUI can result in job loss due to a license suspension of three months to a year, depending on the offense. This can make it difficult or impossible to have transportation or operate a vehicle while at work. Community service could also be assigned most of the time, which can require time off of work and place added strain on your reputation with an employer.
When a DUI is considered a misdemeanor by the Motor Vehicle Division, it can lead to probation, completion of substance abuse courses, a fine of thousands of dollars, and temporary impoundment of the vehicle. A DUI is often considered a misdemeanor for those who have never been convicted of a DUI before but are often handled as felonies if someone was injured in the incident.
For second-time offenses for DUIs in Maricopa County, Pima County, Pinal County, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Glendale, and Tempe. Chandler, the Motor Vehicle Division will require short jail time and will revoke the license for a minimum of 12 months. Alcohol treatment will also be required to continue operating a motor vehicle. Those with three DUI offenses will have their license revoked for up to three years.
Drivers who are found guilty for an aggravated DUI will be convicted of a felony charge, which will remain on your record and can disqualify you from being hired for certain jobs. After an aggravated DUI, the vehicle will be impounded with the loss of license, long-term probation, and substantial fines. DUIs can also result in getting an ignition interlock device installed on a vehicle to prevent driving under the influence. Arizona requires an ignition interlock device to be installed due to the success that they prove to have with prohibiting drivers from operating their vehicle after they fail the breath alcohol test. The device requires the driver to blow for several seconds to prove that they are not intoxicated to allow the engine to start. When the vehicle is running, the driver must continue to blow into the device at random intervals to prove that they are still capable of operating the vehicle.
The Importance of an Attorney
Any driver that has received a serious charge such as reckless driving, a felony DUI, or even a misdemeanor DUI should contact a legal defender from Carlos Brown Law, PLLC. These situations can become extremely complex in the blink of an eye and drivers that leave their trial up to chance or simply plead guilty could be looking at tens of thousands of dollars in fines and fees, a suspended license, and even time in jail. An experienced attorney can help drivers navigate the municipal courts and simplify this process from start to finish.
If you or a loved one has recently been charged with a DUI of any type, do not leave the future up to chance. Contact our firm today and get proactive about protecting your license, your record, and your finances.