Super DUI Task Force Created: East & West Valley Join Phoenix for Greater DUI Enforcement
Combined Resources Creates Larger Valley-wide DUI Task Force December 2012
This year Phoenix AZ, East Valley, and West Valley are combining DUI Task Force Efforts to create one large task force, for better efficiency and safety.
The Special DUI Task Force will be in place for the rest of month of December 2012. A central Command Post will be set up at Devonshire Community Center. It is located at the intersections of E. Devonshire Ave and 28th Street, in Phoenix AZ. Police will also set up DUI Field Vans, with Preliminary Breath Test Units, throughout the valley.
DUI Charges
DUI charges represented the largest number of crimes in Arizona in 2011. A total of 35,505 arrests were made or 14% of all crimes committed in Arizona last year. In an effort to decrease incidents of drunk driving or Drug DUI, Maricopa County police have actively sought out DUI motorists with DUI Sobriety Checkpoints set throughout 2012. This year, they increased their presence and safety checkpoints around holidays, events, and times where high volumes of traffic were expected.
DUI Laws
Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws and penalties in the country. A first-time DUI is a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Under A.R.S. 28-2831 it is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while:
- Driving “impaired to the slightest degree” due to any alcohol or drugs;
- If the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle.
In Arizona the legal limit for alcohol or Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08%. However, a person may be guilty of DUI even if their BAC was below 0.08%, if due to alcohol or drugs they were driving “impaired to the slightest degree”.
Before making an arrest, the police will conduct an investigation to determine if they have probable cause for a DUI arrest. This may include Field testing, breath testing, and or blood testing.
DUI Penalties
First-time non-extreme DUI conviction will result in the following penalties:
- 10 jail sentence;
- Suspension of driver’s license for 90 days;
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) on vehicle following reinstatement of driving privileges;
- Fines, fees, costs and assessments of at least $1,200.00;
- Probation;
- Alcohol/drug abuse education and counseling which will reduce jail time to 24 hours if successfully completed;
The higher the Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level found in a person’s system, the higher the penalties.
Laws and sentencing are more severe for repeat offenses. If a person is found guilty of a third DUI within 7 years, even if the prior DUI charges occurred in another state, they will be convicted of an Aggravated DUI which is a Class 4 Felony. Penalties for Felony DUI call for:
- 4 months in prison;
- Fines, fees, and assessments of S4,000.00;
- Driving privileges revoked for 3 years;
- 24 months of IID after reinstatement of license;
- Parole;
- Drug and Alcohol counseling and treatment;
- Community Service
- Felony criminal record
Criminal Defense Attorney for DUI Charges in Phoenix AZ
If you face DUI charges of any kind you should always consult a DUI Attorney before pleading guilty or appearing in court. Even though you were arrested, you have the right to retain an attorney and defend your charges. Your legal advocate will protect your rights; provide a defense; and work to resolve your matter as favorably as possible.
Additional Resources:
• Arizona Department of Public Services (DPS) – 2011 Crime Statistics
• City of Phoenix – Municipal Court
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Law Office of James Novak 4500 S. Lakeshore Drive Tempe AZ 85282 (480) 413-1499 Free Consultation Maricopa County DUI & Criminal Defense Firm Serving Tempe, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, & Scottsdale AZ www.novakazlaw.com
