How Long Do You Lose Your License for DUI in Arizona?
Discussion of How long do you lose your license for DUI in Arizona?
Wondering how long your license could be suspended due to a DUI in Arizona? The length of suspension depends on the number of DUI convictions and their severity. For a first-time DUI arrest, expect a potential 90-day suspension. However, if you complete a mandatory alcohol screening, education, or treatment program, the suspension could be reduced to 30 days, followed by 60 days of restricted driving privileges. For a second or third DUI arrest within an 84-month period, brace yourself for a more severe two-year license suspension.
Keep in mind that these suspensions may vary depending on factors like blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and other circumstances of your case. To better understand your specific situation and the potential impact on your driving privileges, consult with an experienced DUI attorney in Arizona.
A DUI conviction in Arizona can have a significant impact on your life, including the suspension of your driver’s license. In this blog, we’ll discuss the duration of license suspension for DUI offenses in Arizona and how the dedicated criminal defense team at Chelle Law can help you navigate the legal process and potentially minimize the consequences. Can an extreme DUI be reduced in Arizona?
Arizona DUI Laws and License Suspension Periods
In Arizona, DUI offenses are classified based on the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of the arrest:
- Standard DUI: BAC of 0.08% or higher (0.04% for commercial drivers and 0.00% for drivers under 21)
- Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.15% or higher
- Super Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.20% or higher
The duration of the license suspension for DUI offenses varies depending on the specific charge and whether it’s a first or subsequent offense:
- 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
- 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
Factors Affecting License Suspension Periods for DUI Offenses
In addition to the specific DUI charge, several factors can influence the length of the license suspension:
- Prior DUI convictions: A history of DUI convictions within the last 7 years can result in longer suspension periods or revocation of your license.
- Refusal to submit to a breathalyzer or blood test: While refusal doesn’t result in an automatic license suspension in Arizona, a subsequent DUI conviction could still lead to suspension or revocation.
- Aggravating factors: Circumstances such as having a minor in the vehicle, causing an accident, or driving on a suspended license can lead to increased penalties and longer suspension periods.
How Chelle Law Can Help Minimize License Suspension for DUI Offenses
The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Chelle Law understand the impact of a DUI conviction and the consequences of losing your driver’s license. Our team is dedicated to helping clients facing DUI charges in Scottsdale and throughout Arizona by:
- Examining the evidence: Our attorneys will meticulously review the evidence in your case, looking for inconsistencies or errors that could weaken the prosecution’s case or result in a dismissal of charges.
- Challenging the arrest: We’ll investigate whether proper procedures were followed during the arrest, such as the administration of field sobriety tests, the legality of the traffic stop, and the calibration of breathalyzer equipment.
- Negotiating with the prosecution: Our team will work to negotiate a favorable plea agreement or secure a reduced charge, which can lead to less severe penalties and reduced license suspension periods.
- 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.
The length of a license suspension for a DUI offense in Arizona depends on the specific charge and other factors, including prior convictions and aggravating circumstances. The skilled Scottsdale DUI Attorneys at Chelle Law is committed to providing the highest quality legal representation to clients facing DUI charges and helping to minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on their lives. Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team help you navigate the complexities of the Arizona DUI legal process. Can you refuse a breathalyzer in 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 the difference between DUI and DWI AZ?
In Arizona, the terms DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) are often used interchangeably, but they both refer to the same criminal charge. Arizona law does not make a distinction between DUI and DWI; instead, it focuses on the driver’s level of impairment due to alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both. In Arizona, drivers can be charged with DUI if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or if their ability to drive is significantly impaired by any substance, including prescription medications. The term DWI, commonly associated with alcohol intoxication, is not specifically used in Arizona statutes but is sometimes mistakenly used when discussing DUI cases. Regardless of the terminology, driving under the influence in Arizona carries serious consequences and penalties.
What is the slightest DUI in Arizona?
In Arizona, a driver can be charged with a DUI even if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08%. This charge is referred to as “impaired to the slightest degree” DUI, which indicates that the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle has been minimally affected by alcohol or drugs. Arizona law takes impaired driving seriously and considers any level of impairment, no matter how slight, to be a potential risk to public safety. An “impaired to the slightest degree” DUI charge can be based on a police officer’s observations, field sobriety tests, or other evidence indicating that the driver’s faculties have been affected by alcohol or drugs. As a result, it is crucial for drivers to understand that even a small amount of impairment can lead to legal consequences in Arizona.
