AZ DUI Explained
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Understanding Arizona DUI
Driving Under the Influence or DUI is considered a crime in every state – including AZ. DUI simply means that a driver operating a motor vehicle is impaired by alcohol or drugs. While DUI may also be referred to as DWI (driving while intoxicated), OUI (operating under the influence) or OMVI (operating a motor vehicle under the influence), Arizona sticks with the acronym DUI. No matter what state you’re in or how they refer to it, DUI is unlawful.
Whether you’re driving a car, truck, motorcycle or commercial vehicle it is illegal to operate the vehicle if you’re impaired by the effects of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescribed medications, or even over-the-counter medications. It is also illegal to operate a motor vehicle in Arizona if your BAC (blood alcohol content) is above the state’s legal limit of .08%. Known as Arizona’s “per se” law, this means you don’t necessarily have to be intoxicated to be charged with DUI!
How is DUI Determined?
When an AZ police officer suspects you of drinking and driving, he or she will pull your vehicle over. The officer may ask you to conduct a field sobriety test or submit to a chemical test to help determine if you were drinking and driving. A field sobriety test is a physical test such as standing on one leg so the officer can check for things such as balance. Inability to control balance is a symptom of alcohol consumption. If the officer asks you to take a chemical test this is a blood, breath or urine sample, which will provide your blood alcohol content.
AZ’s Implied Consent Law
Like every other state, Arizona has also enforced the Implied Consent law. If you hold an Arizona driver’s license, this law already applies to you. When you obtained your license, you were impliedly consenting to submit to a chemical test if police properly requested you to do so. While you are not required to submit to a chemical test, you must be aware that consequences can be severe.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a DUI, you should consider seeking a qualified DUI attorney to represent you. DUI laws are getting tougher and the need to have a lawyer defend you is becoming more prevalent.
5400 W. Northern Avenue . Suite 104
Glendale, AZ 85301
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Phone: 623-931-6362 . Fax: 623-931-1061
Email: azduiatty@aol.com
