| The AZ DUI laws provide for two ways that someone | | | | this right and proceed with the Judge handling the |
| can be prosecuted for drunk driving in Arizona. The | | | | entire case. |
| first is if a police officer finds that your driving is erratic | | | | A first time DUI with a blood alcohol level under .15% |
| and can establish that you have had any amount of | | | | results in a mandatory 10 day jail sentence. The Judge |
| alcohol, illegal drugs, or some types of prescription | | | | may, at his discretion, suspend 9 of these days if you |
| drugs in your system. The second is a "per se" | | | | complete an alcohol and drug screening program and |
| assumption of drunk driving if you have a blood alcohol | | | | participate in the recommended treatment. There are |
| content (BAC) of .08% or higher. | | | | also fines and fees totaling $750. |
| An arrest, under AZ DUI laws, triggers two separate | | | | A felony (third time) DUI conviction requires a minimum |
| actions. | | | | of four months in prison and tens of thousands of |
| The first is an administrative action filed by the Motor | | | | dollars in fines. If you own the vehicle you were driving |
| Vehicles Department. If you don't request a hearing | | | | when arrested, you will forfeit your vehicle as well. |
| immediately, this bureaucracy can suspend your | | | | If you are driving with a child under the age of 15 at the |
| driver's license for 90 days without any further | | | | time of your arrest, the consequences are quite |
| proceedings. | | | | severe. You will get jail time in addition to enhanced |
| The second action is handled in criminal court. You | | | | financial penalties. |
| have the right to a six person jury. You can also waive | | | | |