Are You an Out-of-State Driver With an Arizona DUI Charge?

by Aaron M. Black • February 05, 2021

Out-Of-State Driver Getting an Arizona DUIAny DUI arrest is a stressful and troubling experience. It does not matter where you are from or where your arrest takes place. However, Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation, so facing an Arizona DUI charge is no laughing matter. You could potentially face some serious consequences.

If you are a resident of another state but were arrested and charged with drunk driving in Arizona, then you are probably worried about the potential consequences you are likely to face if convicted. You also likely have many questions about the legal process you will undergo. Most people are at least vaguely familiar with the DUI laws in their home state. However, if you do not currently live in Arizona, then you need to understand what to expect. In the following article, Scottsdale DUI lawyer Aaron Black explains how to handle an out-of-state DUI charge in Arizona.

Out-of-State DUI Arrest

First, it is important to understand your legal rights and conduct yourself properly after an out-of-state DUI arrest in Arizona. What you do and say immediately after a DUI arrest can negatively impact the outcome of your DUI case. You should try to remain calm and focused while under arrest. The decisions you make could potentially make the legal process easier for you in the long run. At the Law Office of Aaron M. Black, PLLC, we recommend doing the following:

Remain Silent

You have the right to remain silent and invoke the Fifth Amendment after an Arizona DUI arrest. Law enforcement officials may attempt to get you to confess to or implicate yourself in crimes you may not have committed. It is important for you to not make any statements that the courts could construe as an admission of guilt. You should clearly and unequivocally invoke your right to remain silent. Doing so will give your attorney a chance to launch an aggressive and effective DUI defense.

Contact an Arizona DUI Attorney

You have the right to request an attorney after an Arizona DUI arrest. You should take full advantage of this privilege and contact someone with knowledge of Arizona’s complex DUI system. An experienced and professional DUI attorney will know the Arizona DUI laws that could impact your case and can explain these laws clearly and concisely. He or she will work tirelessly to protect your rights and determine whether your DUI arrest was lawfully executed. At the very least, he or she can assess your case and explain the options available to you.

Penalties for an Out-of-State DUI Conviction in Arizona

If you receive an out-of-state DUI conviction in Arizona, then you will face consequences from the State of Arizona and the Department of Motor Vehicles in your home state. It is likely that an Arizona DUI conviction will follow you to your home state and cause you all sorts of problems, including a potential license revocation or suspension. Other potential penalties for an out-of-state DUI conviction in Arizona include:
  • Increased auto insurance rates, no matter where your DUI took place
     
  • Paying court costs and fines
     
  • Having your DUI conviction reported to your home state
     
  • Receiving mandatory jail time
     
  • Attending an alcohol education program
     
  • And More

Where Will I Serve an Out-of-State DUI Sentence?

This is one of the main questions people ask after receiving an out-of-state DUI conviction. You should never assume that a conviction is a final answer or the only way out of a situation. You should always contact a DUI defense attorney to see whether you could successfully have your DUI charges dropped. Depending on the circumstances of your case, this may or may not happen, so you should still know the logistics of your potential sentence.

In Arizona, most DUI convictions result in jail time, even for a first-time offense. While jail time is difficult for everyone, including Arizona residents, it is particularly difficult for out-of-state drivers. Alternatives such as work release that let convicted parties keep their day jobs are not available.

While it is possible for you to serve your sentence in your home state, the responsibility is on you to find a jail that will take you. Because of overcrowding in most states, this is more difficult than it seems. You may end up having to carry out your jail sentence in Arizona, far away from your family and friends.

Out-of-State DUI Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

Millions of people travel to Arizona each year to enjoy the warm climate, beautiful landscapes and numerous attractions. Some of these people will have run-ins with the police and be arrested and charged with driving under the influence. If you are one of these people, then it is important to speak to an out-of-state DUI attorney in Phoenix, AZ as quickly as possible.

At the Law Office of Aaron M. Black, PLLC, we understand that being charged with a DUI is frightening, especially if you are a resident of another state. Fortunately, criminal defense attorney Aaron Black can help you during this difficult time. He can help you maximize your chances of having your charges reduced or dropped entirely. Contact him today at 480-729-1683 or fill out our confidential contact form to schedule an initial consultation. Aaron will answer your hard-hitting DUI questions and help you understand what will happen during your out-of-state DUI case.
 

About the Author

Aaron Black Phoenix DUI LawyerAaron Black is the founder and sole attorney of the Law Office of Aaron Black. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, his DUI and criminal defense law firm provides legal services to people who have received felony or misdemeanor charges from the state.

Aaron has developed a strong interest in defending people who have been arrested and received criminal charges for driving under the influence. With his professionalism and knowledge of Arizona DUI and criminal law, he has acted as a check and balance on the police, prosecution and courts and has protected a great number of his clients from excessive and unfair sentencing.

Along with DUI defense, Aaron handles a range of other criminal defense matters, including aggravated assault, burglary, domestic violence, drug possession, drug trafficking, fraud defense, insurance fraud, sex crimes, and white-collar crime cases.

After graduating college in 2003 from the University of Arizona, Aaron decided to pursue a law degree. He followed a family long tradition and went to the University of South Dakota School of Law where he pursued his goal of becoming a criminal defense lawyer.

After passing the Arizona and South Dakota bar exams, Aaron joined the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender where he defended hundreds of people charged with serious criminal offenses. His work as a public defender helped him sharpen his litigation skills and gave him a unique insight into the Arizona criminal justice system.

Over the course of his 15-year legal career, Aaron has spent a considerable amount of time in both Arizona justice, municipal, state and federal courts. He has argued over 50 jury trials, tried over 100 bench trials and has become one of the highest-rated criminal and DUI defense attorneys in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. He has received a 10/10 rating from the legal directory Avvo because of his legal background and successful case record. Since 2014, he has received the Super Lawyer rating for his work as a Phoenix DUI Attorney and criminal defense attorney.

You can review Aaron’s Attorney Bio page for more information about his background, education and experience as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.
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