Tucson DUI Law

The city of Tucson takes driving under the influence of alcohol very seriously, and if you to have a few drinks and get behind the wheel, there’s a very good chance that you will get caught and face serious repercussions.

Unfortunately, too few people believe that. They think that getting a DUI isn’t something that happens to regular people, just habitual drunks and criminals. Except that a large portion of the people getting DUIs have never had another charge before, and often have very little experience in dealing with Tucson police. They’re mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, and sons and daughters who live otherwise law-abiding lives and just made a mistake – or possibly the police made a mistake when arresting them.

If this describes you, chances are that you will be a bit discombobulated after the officer says that you are being arrested and confiscates your driver’s slicense. What’s happening? Are you going to jail? Will your car be impounded? Is there going to be a court case? How is all of this going to affect you, your job, and your family?

Experienced Tucson DUI attorneys can answer all of these questions for you and hold your hand as you go through each part of the process. You won’t have to worry and wonder about what’s coming next because you’ll know and be ready for it. And the earlier you start working with aDUI lawyer, the better your chances are at receiving a positive outcome.

What is the DUI Law in Tucson?

DUI laws are the same in Tucson as they are in every other part of Arizona. A Tucson police officer has the right to pull you over if you are behaving in a manner that gives them probable cause, if they notice that you seem intoxicated during a routine stop for another violation, or if you are driving through a DUI checkpoint that meets requirements set down by Arizona law.

The law says that your only responsibility is to stop, give your name, and hand your license to the officer. If he or she continues to ask questions, you are not required to answer them. Obviously you don’t want to be rude, but it is completely within your rights to say that you don’t want to answer any more questions without talking to a lawyer. You don’t even have to take a field sobriety test if they ask you to do so, and in fact it’s a good idea to refuse. Why? Because the arresting officer is going to be the one grading you on the test, so the only thing you’re really doing is giving him or her more evidence to use against you.

The only other thing that you are required to do is take a breath test. Implied consent laws in Arizona say that you’ve agreed to this test simply by getting behind the wheel and driving, so if you refuse they will suspend your license for an entire year, regardless of the outcome of your DUI charge.

DUI Driving Penalties in Tucson

Penalties for a basic Tucson DUI charge where your BAC tested at over .08 include:

• Fines of $250
• Undisclosed surcharges
• $250 to the Arizona DUI Abatement Fund
• Probation time of 1-5 years
• Jail time of 10 days to six months
• Suspended license for 90 days

Most people get only a year of probation and as little as a single night in jail if they agree to have a drug and alcohol evaluation and attend counseling.

For those charged with an extreme DUI where their BAC was .15 or higher, the same charges apply, but they also have to face jail time that starts at 30 days (10 days if you go through counseling) and having an Ignition Interlock Device installed on their vehicle. It’s even worse if you got into an accident that involved property damage or causing injury or death to another person. Instead of facing a misdemeanor, you will be up against an automatic felony.

Because the punishments are so serious, it’s incredibly important to get a qualified Tucson DUI lawyer working on your defense as quickly as possible. Don’t hesitate, because every second you delay gives your attorney less time to get the information he or she needs and prepare to fight for your rights.