If you are charged with driving under the influence, there may be numerous penalties and consequences. In Arizona, penalties include mandatory fines, a suspension of your license, and jail time even for a first offense. With these possible penalties, you want to make sure you are appropriately prepared with a strong strategy for defense – and that’s exactly where our attorneys can be of service. The Barber Law Group, PLLC has experienced criminal defense attorneys ready to serve and assist you in creating the best strategy to defend or expunge your DUI.
What to Expect After Getting a DUI
Nationwide, the legal blood alcohol content limit is currently .08 in all 50 states. Getting a DUI can be life-altering, time consuming and expensive, considering the legal fees, fines, increased insurance premiums, court time, court mandated community service and drunk driving education programs, and the temporary suspension of one’s driver’s license. All these factors considered, there is no general process as to what to expect when you get a DUI, because penalties and laws vary depending on the state, circumstances and severity of the offense.
Is This Your First DUI Offense?
In Arizona, penalties vary depending on whether it’s your first, second or third offense.
If it is your first offense the penalties include a minimum of 24 hours and up to 10 days in jail, a base fine of $1,491, a license suspension of anywhere from 90 to 360 days, and the required use of an Interlock Ignition Device for a time as ordered by the court.
If it is your second offense the penalties include a minimum of 30 days and up to 90 days in jail, a base fine of $2,491, a license suspension for a year, and the required use of an Interlock Ignition Device for a time as ordered by the court.
If it is your third offense (a felony) the penalties include a minimum of four months in state prison, fines in the thousands of dollars, a license revocation for a year, and the required use of an Interlock Ignition Device for a time as ordered by the court.
Habitual DUI offenders are more likely to face the harsher consequences such as court ordered substance abuse programming, and having the ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle, making it impossible for them to operate their vehicle without first performing a Breathalyzer test.
Beyond the court imposed penalties, there may be long-term impacts on your personal and professional life. A DUI conviction will show up on your criminal record for years, and this can have an impact on gaining employment opportunities, may cause difficulties in acquiring housing, and in some instances can even reduce your eligibility for certain educational grants or financial aid.
Seek the Assistance of a Lawyer When Challenging a DUI
A DUI is a complex matter; don’t go at it alone without legal representation. Seek the assistance of one of the attorneys at the Barber Law Group, PLLC, located in Phoenix, Arizona. We can provide you with a zealous defense in order to help you achieve the best outcome possible. In addition to Phoenix we represent defendants in other Maricopa County cities such as Mesa, Glendale, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Gilbert. We also assist Pima County residents in Tucson.
