Arizona is known to have some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. As a result, many people unfamiliar with the law assume that DUI in Arizona is a felony.
Although Arizona DUI law is particularly tough, in most cases, DUI is not a felony. In fact, a DUI only becomes a felony in one of four circumstances:
- DUI while license is suspended
- DUI while a child under 15 is in the car
- DUI while required to have an interlock device
- Third DUI within seven years.
In such instances, the DUI is called an aggravated DUI and is processed in superior court as a felony. In all other instances, DUI is a misdemeanor. That being said, any DUI should not be taken lightly. In fact, the penalties for DUI in Arizona are particularly severe and as discussed in a previous post, Arizona law does not even require a blood alcohol level above a 0.08 to be found guilty. Moreover, a person convicted of DUI will usually be required to pay over $2000 to the court in fines and assessments alone. This is in addition to mandatory minimum jail time, substance abuse classes, and, in most cases, a requirement to have an interlock device installed on your car.
It is important to be well-informed when proceeding in a DUI case. The sooner the better as some consequences of DUI, will be imposed immediately after simply being charged. Hiring an attorney such as myself is important as I assist clients accused of DUI with both the MVD process and the criminal court process.
Call DUI defense attorney Matt for free consultation: 602-912-5897.
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The Maerowitz Law Firm 