Arizona DUI Defense

Arizona DUI Defense

If someone is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they will likely undergo a blood alcohol concentration or drug content (BADC) test. In Arizona, as a driver, you implicitly consent to this test by merely being behind the wheel. The BADC test, conducted through breath, blood, or urine samples, determines whether the individual will face a DUI charge and, if so, its classification. In Arizona, a BAC above 0.08% triggers a DUI charge; for commercial vehicle drivers, the threshold is lower at 0.04%. Arizona maintains a zero-tolerance policy for those under 21, making any alcohol presence grounds for DUI arrest.

DUI penalties in Arizona are severe which can include license suspension, jail and/or prison time, substance abuse counseling, community service, Ignition Interlock, and steep fines. For all offenders, reinstating the driver’s license usually involves SR-22 Insurance, enrolling in an alcohol education program and installing an ignition interlock device on the vehicle.

What You Need To Know About Possible DUI Defenses

The bulk of evidence for a DUI charge is typically gathered at the traffic stop scene. However, there are several strategies that our experienced lawyers can employ to mount a robust DUI defense.

One clear defense involves questioning the accuracy of the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) test and the validity of its administration. Successful defenses against DUI charges have included proving that the BAC test was contaminated, that the administering officer delayed too long before conducting the test (potentially causing the BAC to rise in the meantime), or that the test sample was mishandled or inaccurately labeled.

Furthermore, there are mitigating circumstances related to the individual facing the DUI charge. Some medications can impact BAC test results, and the circumstances surrounding a field sobriety test can affect a person’s performance.

Other potential defenses against a DUI charge include arguing that the arresting officer lacked probable cause to initiate the traffic stop or demonstrating that the individual arrested did not have control of the vehicle at the time of the arrest. This argument is often used when the arrested individual was physically in the vehicle but not actively driving it at the time. By carefully examining these details, a strong defense can be mounted against a DUI charge.