I assume that some of you may not know that the DUI laws in Arizona are actually a lot more rigorous in comparison to other states, which means that it’s much easier to get arrested or face harsher penalties.
But that’s all because Arizona aspires to protect its citizens and prevent numerous vehicle accidents that are normally caused by driving under the influence. If you would like to know more about this law, then take a look at the facts below.
No Tolerance When It Comes To Alcohol Consumption
As I stated in the beginning, Arizona is very protective of its citizens which is why it doesn’t tolerate any amount of alcohol while driving. They have so-called zero-tolerance law. So what does it mean?
It means that if police conclude that you have even the smallest amounts of alcohol while behind the wheel, you will immediately be arrested and convicted. I mean, of course, this doesn’t refer to a sip of alcohol, however, if I were you, I would most definitely steer clear of it if I’m planning on driving.
But what are you going to do if you’re already charged? In these instances, it would be a good idea if you considered Cornerstone DUI Services because you just might decrease or even completely avoid jail time, court fines, and suspension. Generally speaking, something like this is always recommendable because it helps troubled individuals to move on with their lives, once the treatment and education are completed.
Let’s Discuss Aggravated Arizona’s DUI Penalties
In this state, a person has committed an aggravated DUI if he or she:
- Was arrested for DUI with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license
- Commits a third DUI offense within 7 years of a previous conviction
- Commits a DUI offense while having an individual who is under fifteen years of age in the vehicle
- Has an ignition interlock device in place, but doesn’t want to take a BAC test
Even though a vast majority of DUIs can be perceived as a violation when it comes to aggravated DUI, it is perceived as a serious felony that comes with very strict punishment, if, of course, a person is convicted.
Therefore, if you’ve been driving under influence, you can end up spending up to two years in prison, lose your driver’s license, and you’ll be obligated to enroll in an alcohol education, treatment, and screening program. Apart from all of that, you’ll be forced to do some community service.
You Do Not Need To Submit To All Tests
If a police officer notices that you’ve been driving under influence and decides to pull you over, you are not obligated to take a field sobriety test, as well as a vehicle search. Bear in mind that if a police officer thinks that you are impaired, the arrest is going to be inevitable, hence there’s no need to submit to the test because it will only make things worse in terms of your conviction.
Let’s Discuss The “Shelter Rule” Defense
Even though a lot of people define Arizona’s laws as too strict when it comes to DUI offenses, this state decided to create a law that’s intended for those who are even remotely responsible and are aware of the state they are in (being drunk, for instance), meaning they are not capable of driving.
Namely, this Shelter Rule gives these people the ability to pull over and have some rest or sleep it off until they start feeling normal again. If they decide to do so, they are not going to be arrested for consuming alcohol.
Under this law, pulling onto the parking lot or onto the side of the road can be perceived as responsible behavior because the person is avoiding drunk driving because he or she doesn’t want to put their safety or the safety of others in danger.
If a person does this, then he or she most likely is not going to be arrested and won’t need to go through the system which is a great thing.
Based on everything that’s been written here, it’s more than evident that Arizona is very strict when it comes to DUI, therefore, I would advise you to be very cautious unless you don’t want to suffer the consequences of it.
