Attorney James E. Novak can explain the criminal, civil, and collateralpenalties of DUI conviction in Phoenix, AZ. The state of Arizona has harsh penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even for first-time offenders. If convicted of a DUI, you face jail time, suspension of your license, steep fines, and more. Additionally, a DUI conviction can affect other areas of your life, including employment and higher education opportunities. If you have been accused of a DUI, it is important to work with an attorney who specializes in this area of the law. Contact The Law Office of James E. Novak today to discuss the details of your case.
In Arizona, the penalties for a first offense DUI conviction vary depending on whether you were impaired by alcohol or drugs and what your BAC level was within two hours of operating your vehicle. The minimum penalty for a first-offense DUI is one day to six months in jail. Arizona DUI convictions may be classified as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest.
The penalties of a DUI can affect all areas of your life and can have a significant impact on your future as well.
Any DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for a period of seven years and is accessible to future employers and landlords through a background check. A first-offense DUI is likely to result in fines upwards of $2,000, depending on the amount of jail time you receive.
With a first-offense DUI, you face a license suspension up to 90 days for an alcohol-related offense and a one year revocation for a drug-related offense. Once your suspension or revocation is complete, you will likely be required to have an ignition-interlocking device (IID) installed on your vehicle for a period of 12 to 18 months.
An IID requires you to blow into a device every 15 minutes and it calculates your BAC levels. If it detects alcohol in your system, the car will shut off. You will also be required to participate in and complete a mandatory drug or alcohol screening and treatment program. Some judges will also require you to complete a specified number of community service hours.
One collateral penalty of a DUI is that you will see an increase in your car insurance rates. Many people may also suffer consequences with current or future employment. Some jobs require employees to report any violations such as a DUI, including teachers, coaches, and nurses.
Additionally, many employment applications require you to disclose any criminal history. Some applications only require that you list felony convictions, while others require all convictions, including misdemeanors, which is what most first-offense DUIs are classified as in Arizona.
A DUI conviction can also affect your housing opportunities, as most landlords conduct a background check, and some may not rent to someone with a criminal history.
The penalties of a DUI can affect all areas of your life and can have a significant impact on your future as well. Working with an experienced DUI attorney can result in the possibility of your charges being dismissed or sentence being reduced. Contact James E. Novak today to schedule your initial consultation.