Tucson Drunk Driving

When you are charged with drunk driving in Arizona, the repercussions can be severe.  However, by hiring the right drunk driving attorney in Tucson, you can fight the charges and move on with your life.

Drunk driving makes up a large percentage of traffic fatalities throughout the state of Arizona.  In 2008, there were a total of 937 traffic fatalities, with 329 of those accidents involving alcohol.  Furthermore, 266 of those alcohol related fatalities involved individuals who had a BAC of above .08 percent.

As a result, individuals charged with drunk driving in Tucson and anywhere else in Arizona face mandatory jail-time on their first offense.

Penalties for drunk driving

Following is information of the penalties for driving while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 or above:

• First offense: For your first offense, you face a minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 10 days in jail.  Your license is suspended from 90-360 days and the court orders an ignition interlock device.  Additionally, you have to pay about $1,500 in fines, receive counseling, and possibly do community service.  Your vehicle is also impounded for extreme or aggravated DUI and you may be on probation for up to five years.
• Second offense: After your first offense, the penalty for drunk driving increases significantly.  If you are facing a second charge, it is in your best interests to hire an attorney with experience in creating a solid drunk driving defense in Tucson.  For your DUI second offense you face 30-90 days in jail.  You may have to pay as much as $3,500 in fines, year license is revoked for one year, your vehicle is impounded if your license is suspended, and you will be on probation for five years.  Additionally, if your vehicle is not impounded or forfeited, an ignition interlock device is installed and you are required to complete an alcohol education treatment program.

Tucson drunk driving defense

If you have a BAC of .150 to .199, the penalties increase dramatically.  Being convicted of DUI with a BAC like this carries a longer jail-time, expensive fines, license revocation, probation, treatment programs, and having your vehicle compounded.  Regardless of whether you are facing your first or second DUI offense, it is worth it to hire an experienced Tucson DUI lawyer.  A skilled lawyer can create a strong Tucson drunk driving defense for your case and help reduce the charges against you.

Contact Us

If you are facing serious consequences as the result of a criminal charge, you need an experienced lawyer who will stand by you and protect your rights.  To learn how our team of professionals can help, contact Nesci & St. Louis, P.L.L.C. today at 520.777.0235 for a free initial consultation.