Felony DUI Charges in Arizona

By Law Offices of Joshua S. Davidson, PLC | Aug 07, 2017
According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drugs to drive or be in actual physical control of any vehicle.” Under Arizona law, if you’re stopped on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), and a chemical test shows that your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08% or more, you’ll lose the privilege to drive on the spot. Suppose you are arrested for DUI in Phoenix. Will you face misdemeanor or felony charges? When is DUI a felony in Arizona? Generally, a first or second DUI is a misdemeanor offense in Arizona. However, you could face felony DUI charges if any of the following is true:
  • You have a third DUI within 84 months;
  • You committed DUI while you had a child under the age of 15 in your vehicle;
  • You refused to submit to a chemical test while you were required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed in your vehicle;
  • You committed DUI while your driver’s license was canceled, suspended, or revoked;
  • You seriously injured someone else; or
  • You killed someone while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you are found guilty of “Aggravated DUI” in Arizona, you’ll face a two-year driver’s license revocation, up to a $150,000 fine, and you’ll face up to two years in prison in addition to other penalties imposed by state law. You’ll also be required to perform community service, undergo an alcohol screening and education or treatment, and install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in order to reinstate your driving privileges. If you seriously injured or killed someone, you could be facing even harsher penalties than those listed above.

Arizona Has Some of the Harshest DUI Laws

Are you facing DUI charges in Maricopa County? If so, you need a strong defense. Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws in the nation and if you accept the full wrath of the criminal justice system, your life can be changed forever. Don’t wait – contact our firmto speak with our Phoenix DUI Attorney, Josh S. Davidson.

Categories : Aggravated DUI, Alcohol-related accidents, Felony, Felony DUI

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