Felony: Driving Under the Influence

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03 Nov Felony: Driving Under the Influence

Posted at 08:00h in Aggravated Assault, Assault, Bail Jumping, Criminal Damage, Domestic Violence, Failure to Appear, Felonies, Identity Theft, Laws, Legal Process, misdemeanor, Technology, Todd Coolidge by

Arizona takes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol seriously. And though charges can result in harsh penalties, the specific penalties involved will depend on your driving history. If you find yourself being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Arizona, contact Coolidge Law. We are your criminal defense specialists serving Phoenix, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas.  

What is a DUI?

DUI can also be called Driving While Intoxicated, or DWI. If you’re stopped for suspicion of DUI/DWI, a measurement of your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) will be taken. That measurement is used in determining whether or not you’ll be charged. If charged, the BAC will also determine the classification of your charge. The following list delineates the varying classifications for a DUI in Arizona.

Classifications

  • Standard DUI: Driving a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or more, or 0.04% or more while driving a commercial vehicle. If younger than 21 years of age, any percent of BAC is labeled a standard DUI.
  • Extreme DUI: Driving with a BAC of 0.15% or higher.
  • Aggravated DUI: When DUI is committed on a suspended, revoked, or cancelled driver’s license; or, committing a 3rd DUI offense within 84 months; or, a DUI is committed while driving with a passenger or passengers who are 15 years old or younger.

    Penalties

    The higher the blood alcohol concentration, the harsher the penalties. When stopped on suspicion of a DUI, if you fail or refuse to take a test, your driver’s license will be suspended immediately by the DMV. That suspension can range from 12-24 months. The least charge for a DUI is a first-time standard DUI charge of ten days in jail and more than $1,000.00 in fines. The greatest DUI charge is for an aggravated DUI and can be as much as two years in prison and more than $3,000.00 in fines.

    If you are faced with felony DUI charges in Arizona, Coolidge Law is ready to talk. We’re experienced, we’re knowledgeable, and we care. Give us a call today.

    Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/1/2017) Chris Gilmore (Flickr)

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