In Arizona, as in every state, there are consequences for driving under the influence (DUI). What many people don’t know, however, is that there are several different kinds of DUI, and there are different penalties that come with each kind. The following summaries provide basic descriptions of each kind of DUI in Arizona; however, the best thing you can do if you have been charged with a DUI is contact a Phoenix DUI attorney that can help you figure out how to successfully fight the charges you are facing.
DUI
A basic DUI occurs if you are stopped for driving under the influence and your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) reads .08 percent or higher. The .08 percent applies to both alcohol and drugs (notably, this includes any kind of drug, not just drugs that are illegal). For drivers under the age of 21, any alcohol or drug concentration could be enough for the State to charge you with DUI. In Arizona, a first offense DUI means that you will be jailed for 10 or more days and fined at least $1,250. For a second or subsequent offense, you will be jailed for at least 90 days, fined at least $3,000, and face a license revocation for 12 months.
Extreme DUI
An extreme DUI, on the other hand, means that a breathalyzer finds that your BAC is .15 or higher. A first offense results in jail time for at least 30 days and a fine of at least $2,500. For second and subsequent extreme DUI offenses, the jail time is 120 days, the fine is $3,250, and the individual’s driver’s license will be suspended.