Can I Drive After a DUI in Arizona?
Discussion of Can I Drive After a DUI in Arizona?
Concerned about your driving privileges after a DUI in Arizona? It’s important to know that your license is not immediately suspended following a DUI arrest. Instead, you’ll receive a 15-day grace period during which you can continue to drive. Once this period ends, your license may be suspended or revoked, depending on the severity of the DUI offense and your driving history. In some cases, you may be eligible for a restricted driving permit, allowing you to drive to work, school, or other essential locations.
To better understand your options and navigate the process of reinstating your driving privileges after a DUI, consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can guide you through the intricacies of Arizona’s DUI laws and regulations.
If you’ve been charged with a DUI in Arizona, one of your primary concerns may be whether you’ll still be able to drive. In this blog, we’ll discuss the potential consequences of a DUI on your driving privileges and how the dedicated criminal defense team at Chelle Law can help you navigate the legal process and potentially minimize the impact on your ability to drive. What happens to first-time DUI offense in Arizona?
License Suspension and Restricted Licenses After a DUI in Arizona
A DUI conviction in Arizona typically results in a mandatory suspension of your driver’s license, with the length of the suspension depending on the severity of the charge and any prior DUI convictions. However, under certain circumstances, you may be eligible for a restricted license, which allows you to drive to and from specific locations, such as work, school, or alcohol treatment programs. Here’s a quick overview of the suspension periods and eligibility for a restricted license:
- First-time Standard DUI: 90-day suspension, with the possibility of a restricted license after 30 days
- Second or subsequent Standard DUI (within 7 years): 1-year revocation, restricted license eligibility depends on the circumstances
- First-time Extreme or Super Extreme DUI: Minimum 90-day suspension, with the possibility of a restricted license after 30 days
- Second or subsequent Extreme or Super Extreme DUI (within 7 years): 1-year revocation, restricted license eligibility depends on the circumstances
Ignition Interlock Device Requirements in Arizona
In addition to the license suspension, Arizona law mandates the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle for a certain period after a DUI conviction. An IID requires you to provide a breath sample before starting your vehicle, and the engine will not start if the device detects alcohol. The duration of the IID requirement depends on the severity of the DUI charge:
- Standard DUI: Minimum 12 months
- Extreme DUI: Minimum 18 months
- Super Extreme DUI: Minimum 24 months
How Chelle Law Can Help You Preserve Your Driving Privileges
The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Chelle Law understand the importance of maintaining your driving privileges and will work diligently to minimize the impact of a DUI charge on your life. Our team can assist you by:
- Challenging the evidence: We will carefully review the evidence in your case, identifying any inconsistencies or errors that could lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges, potentially avoiding license suspension or reducing its duration.
- Negotiating with the prosecution: Our team will work to negotiate a favorable plea agreement, potentially securing a reduced charge that carries lesser penalties, including a shorter suspension period and less restrictive IID requirements.
- Representing you at the administrative hearing: We can advocate for your rights during the administrative hearing regarding your license suspension, potentially leading to a restricted license or a shortened suspension period.
While a DUI conviction in Arizona typically results in a license suspension, the experienced criminal defense team at Chelle Law is committed to helping clients minimize the impact on their driving privileges. Our skilled Scottsdale DUI Attorneys will carefully review your case, negotiate with the prosecution, and advocate for your rights during the administrative hearing to help you preserve your ability to drive. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team guide you through the complexities of the Arizona DUI legal process. Can I avoid jail time for 1st DUI Arizona?
Relevant Links for an Arizona DUI
Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) – DUI Laws and Penalties: This page provides information on Arizona’s DUI laws, penalties, and license suspensions, including penalties for extreme DUI. Link: https://azdot.gov/motor-vehicle-services/driver-services/dui-laws-penalties
Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) – Title 28, Chapter 4: This section of the Arizona Revised Statutes covers DUI and related offenses, including extreme DUI and possible reductions. Link: https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=28
Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Impaired Driving: This page offers information about the consequences of impaired driving and efforts to reduce DUI incidents in Arizona. Link: https://www.azdps.gov/safety/impaired-driving
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – Drunk Driving: The NHTSA provides resources and information about drunk driving, including statistics, prevention, and enforcement strategies. Link: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – Arizona: MADD is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending drunk driving, supporting the victims of drunk driving, and preventing underage drinking. The Arizona chapter’s website provides local resources and information. Link: https://www.madd.org/arizona/
What is a Class 4 felony DUI in Arizona?
In Arizona, a Class 4 felony DUI is a severe charge with significant penalties. A driver may face a Class 4 felony DUI in various situations, including: 1) receiving a third DUI offense within a seven-year period; 2) being arrested for DUI while their driving privileges are suspended, canceled, or revoked; 3) driving under the influence in the wrong direction on a roadway; or 4) having a DUI charge while being required to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle. It is essential to understand the circumstances that lead to a Class 4 felony DUI in Arizona, as the consequences can include lengthy prison sentences, substantial fines, and long-term suspension of driving privileges.
What class misdemeanor is a DUI in Arizona?
In Arizona, a first-time DUI conviction is typically classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, as outlined in ARS § 28-1381. An offense is considered a first-time misdemeanor DUI if the driver has not had any prior DUI convictions within the past seven years. However, it is crucial to note that a DUI may escalate to a felony under specific circumstances, such as if the driver was operating a vehicle with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license. Understanding the classification of a DUI and its potential consequences is essential, as it impacts the penalties one may face, including fines, jail time, and license suspension.
