Father’s Day is coming up soon and with it comes many celebrations. For some dads, nothing goes better with Father’s Day than a glass of wine, a pint of beer, or a highball cocktail. If libations are part of your plans this year, Lerner and Rowe Law Group wants to remind you to celebrate safely and drive sober. We also want you to know the consequences of drunk driving, including four tips to help prevent getting a DUI.
Arizona DUI Consequences
DUI penalties in Arizona are among the harshest in the nation. Even a first-time DUI offender may face up to 6 months in jail, suspension of driving privileges for 90 days, a requirement of installation of an ignition interlock device, mandatory drug and alcohol counseling, and thousands of dollars in court fees. Second or third DUI convictions can lead to, in additional to the penalties above, a one-year suspension of your driver’s license, a minimum 90 days in jail, and community service.
Part of what makes Arizona DUI laws so strict is that drivers can be convicted of driving under the influence even if they are only impaired to the slightest degree. While the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC) in Arizona is 0.08%, you can still be charged with a DUI in Arizona even if your BAC is under the legal limit, so as long as the arresting officer has reason to believe you were impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Although an experienced criminal defense lawyer may be able to help you fight DUI charges, the safest course of action is always to abstain from drinking and driving altogether.
How to Beat a DUI
There are several ways a DUI lawyer can challenge a DUI case. Some of the most common defenses are listed below:
- Errors and issues with DUI breath testing
- Contaminated blood sample or issues with the blood draw
- Unconstitutional traffic stop
- Violation of Right to Counsel
- Proof the accused was not actually driving
- A valid prescription for a Drug DUI
- No proof of impairment
Find more information on fighting a DUI charge in Arizona.
How to Prevent a DUI
There’s nothing wrong with letting loose on Father’s Day so long as you plan ahead. Here are some practical tips you can use this Father’s Day to ensure you don’t end your evening with unwanted contact with law enforcement.
- Use a designated driver. It’s a lot of responsibility being a father. Take the night off, but don’t forget to pick a designated driver, whether it’s one of your buddies, a partner, or another trusted family member.
- Take public transportation, a taxi, or use a ride-share service. There’s no need to worry about traffic and you can simply sit back and relax.
- Choose nonalcoholic drinks. It can still be an enjoyable Father’s Day celebration without alcohol. You can even volunteer as a designated driver if you’re going out to celebrate.
- Celebrate Father’s Day at home. Nothing says Father’s Day quite like hanging out on the couch with a beer in one hand and the TV remote in the other. Stay home, relax, and let someone else make the next beer run.
Arrested for DUI in Arizona? We Can Help
Arizona DUI consequences are no joke. The state’s zero tolerance policy means even just one beer too many can lead to a DUI conviction. If you’ve been arrested on suspicion of DUI or charged, a Phoenix DUI attorney can help. Lerner and Rowe Law Group has helped hundreds of clients get their charges reduced or dismissed. We can help you, too.
Legal assistance is just a phone call away at 602-667-7777. You can also talk to us online using our LiveChat service, or send us the details of your case using our secure contact form. Contact us today to schedule your free no obligation consultation.