What Is The Legal Limit For A DUI In Arizona?

Facing DUI Penalties For Driving Under The Legal BAC Limits

Have you ever wondered about the legal limit for a DUI in Arizona? Have you recently been charged with a DUI? Do you need to know your options? If so, you should continue reading this article.

The legal limit for a DUI in Arizona is 0.08. That’s the law everyone knows, and it’s ingrained in our heads when we get behind the wheel of a car. But what does that mean? What makes this number the standard on which all other limits are based? That’s what our Tucson DUI attorney will explain below. 

DUI While Underage

The legal alcohol limit for anyone over the age of 21 is 0.08. But the 0.0 BAC restriction applies to children. According to Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) 4-244, subsection 34, any amount of alcohol in a minor’s system can result in a DUI charge if they are detained. It doesn’t matter if the person was intoxicated when they were driving. 

That’s because anyone under the age of 21 cannot drink alcohol. Charges of “minor in possession” may also be brought against minors with BACs higher than 0.0. (subsection 41 of ARS 4-244).

Drug DUI

DUI does not always imply drunk driving. You could be found guilty of DUI if you were driving while intoxicated by any kind of drug. In many situations, it makes no difference if you were under the legal drinking limit because alcohol is not a factor in the charge.

Law enforcement typically conducts drug metabolite testing when a suspected drug DUI occurs. This can be challenging since some medications’ metabolites can linger in your circulation for a very long time. One example is marijuana. In these situations, the officer will have to decide whether or not you were inebriated.

A Mesa DUI attorney is more than necessary in this case to avoid unfair charges. We suggest calling a lawyer on time. 

Impaired To A Minor Degree

DUI offenses are subject to zero-tolerance enforcement in Arizona, as stated in ARS 28-1381. This policy includes the possibility of being detained for DUI even if your blood alcohol content is below the legal limit. The law states that being in “real physical control” of an automobile when under the effects of alcohol, drugs, vapors, or a combination of these substances is illegal if you are “impaired to the slightest degree.” This phrase makes sure that police can take the appropriate measures against someone who is intoxicated but does not have a high BAC.

Understanding The Zero-Tolerance Law

Arizona has a zero-tolerance policy, which means that even if your blood alcohol level is below the 0.08 legal limit for driving, an officer may still detain you if you exhibit signs of intoxication or impairment.

Although Arizona Revised Statute 28-1381 states that a BAC of 0.05 percent or less “may be presumed that the defendant was not under the influence of intoxicating liquor,” the zero-tolerance legislation is still in effect.

Since this is tricky legislation, contact a Phoenix DUI attorney ASAP if you find yourself in trouble when getting charged for DUI.

Different Types Of DUIs Charges

Depending on your BAC level and other variables, you could be charged with any of these forms of DUIs in Arizona:

DUI Standard, First Offense (0.08+)

• 10 days in prison.
• $1,500 in fines plus detention fees and an additional $80 for monitoring.
• Screening and counseling are required.
• A 90-day suspension of driver’s license or one-year revocation.
• 12 months of an interlock device on the vehicle. 
• N/A for community service.

DUI Standard, Second Offense (0.08+)

• 90 days in prison (eligible for home detention).
• $3,500 in fines plus jail/home detention fees and an $80 monitoring fee. 
• Screening and counseling are required.
• One-year revocation of driver’s license.
• 12 months of an interlock device on the vehicle. 
• 30 hours of community service. 

DUI Extreme, First Offense (0.15+)

• 30 days in prison (eligible for home detention).
• $2,780 in fines, plus jail/home detention costs and an extra fee for monitoring ($80).
• Screening and counseling are required.
• 90-day suspension of driver’s license.
• 12-months interlock.
• N/A for community service.

Keep in mind that you’re eligible for home prison only after 2 days. You can contact your Gilbert DUI attorney for more help.

DUI Extreme, Second Offense (0.15+)

• 120 days in prison (eligible for home detention).
• $3,740 in fines, plus jail/home detention costs and an extra fee for monitoring ($80).
• Screening and counseling are required.
• One-year revocation of driver’s license.
• 12-month interlock.
• 30 hours of community service.

DUI Super Extreme, First Offense (0.20+)

• 45 days in prison (eligible for home detention).
• $3,240 in fines, plus jail/home detention costs and an extra $80 fee for monitoring.
• Screening and counseling are necessary.
• 90-day suspension of driver’s license.
• 18-months interlock.
• N/A for community service.

DUI Super Extreme, Second Offense (0.20+)

• 180 days in prison (eligible for home detention).
• $4,650 in fines, plus jail/home detention costs and an extra $80 fee for monitoring.
• Screening and counseling are necessary.
• One-year revocation of driver’s license.
• 24-months interlock.
• 30 months of community service.

Different Types Of DUIs Charges

If you are facing DUI penalties for impairment while under the legal alcohol limit, contact My AZ Lawyers right now to schedule a free consultation and receive proper deffense. We’ll be ready to assert your rights!

Arizona Offices:

Mesa Location:
1731 West Baseline Rd., Suite #100
Mesa, AZ 85202
Office: (480) 448-9800
Email: info@myazlawyers.com
Website: https://myazlawyers.com/

Phoenix Location:
343 West Roosevelt, Suite #100
Phoenix, AZ 85003
Office: (602) 609-7000

Glendale Location:
20325 N 51st Avenue Suite #134, Building 5
Glendale, AZ 85308
Office: (602) 509-0955

Tucson Location:
2 East Congress St., Suite #900-6A
Tucson, AZ 85701
Office: (520) 441-1450

Avondale Location:
12725 W. Indian School Rd., Ste E, #101
Avondale, AZ 85392
Office: (623) 469-6603