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5 Situations Where You Can Face Aggravated DUI Charges in Arizona

DUI charges can be serious, but aggravated DUI charges can be even more serious. If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI in Arizona, you could face significant penalties, including jail time and fines. Here is a detailed discussion of five situations that could warrant DUI charges so that you can get to know about DUI laws in the state.

What is the DUI law in Arizona?

You may face a DUI charge if you are caught driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of % or greater. If your BAC is greater, you may be charged with aggravated DUI.

Legal penalties for DUI in Arizona

If you are charged with DUI for the first time, you might spend up to 90 days in jail and pay a fine of up to $1500. However, you risk upwards of 180 days in jail and a $2500 penalty for an aggravated DUI.

Why does Arizona have strict DUI laws?

Arizona has strict DUI laws because the state wants to deter people from driving while under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving is a serious problem, leading to accidents, injuries, and even deaths.

However, the state faces many challenges due to drunk driving, including:

An increase in the number of car accidents
An increase in the number of DUI arrests
A rise in the cost of insurance

Five situations where you can face Aggravated DUI Charges in Arizona

1. If caught driving with a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher

Under Arizona law, if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.15 percent or higher, you can be charged with aggravated DUI. It exceeds the 0.08 percent BAC threshold for a typical DUI by a wide margin.

2. If you are caught driving under the influence of drugs

It encompasses both prescribed medications and illicit drugs. A blood or urine sample is collected to conduct the test. Here are some typical substances that can result in an aggravated DUI charge:

Marijuana
Cocaine
Heroin
Methamphetamine

The driver's urine should not have more than the specified limit of nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of active THC. The limit is two ng/mL for blood tests and five ng/mL for urine tests.

3. If you are caught drunk driving with a minor in the car

In Arizona, a minor is anyone below the age of 15 years. The penalties for this offense are more severe because there is a risk of harm to the child.

Some of the penalties that you may face if convicted are:

A maximum of six months in prison
A maximum fine of $2000
Up to a year's cancellation of your driving privileges

4. Multiple DUI convictions within the past five years

A charge of aggravated DUI may be brought against you if you have received DUI convictions more than once in the previous five years. Because it is regarded as a repeat violation, the consequences are more substantial.

Some of the penalties that you may face if convicted are:

A maximum of one year in prison
The maximum fine is $5000.
Up to a year's restriction on your driving privileges

5. Death or serious harm to the victim

If you are involved in an accident that results in the death of another person or serious harm to another person, you can be charged with aggravated DUI. It is a felony offense, and it carries very severe penalties.

Some of the penalties that you may face if convicted are:

Jail time of up to 15 years
A fine of up to $5000
The revocation of your driver's license for life.

If you find yourself facing such charges, you need to contact a lawyer right away. An experienced DUI lawyer will help you understand the charges against you and the possible defenses you can raise.