Don't let a DUI take away the Merry in Christmas!

Christmas is just days away and the holiday gatherings with family and friends have commenced. Once again, please be aware that DUI tasks forces will be out in full swing throughout the New Year in Phoenix and surrounding communities. Unlike previous years the tasks forces will be scattered throughout communities rather than manned areas.

2016 DUI arrests over the holidays

In 2016 there were over 2,000 drunk drivers arrested in Arizona during the holidays and I’m sure that you don’t want to be a 2017 statistic so I strongly encourage you to plan on catching a ride with Uber or Lyft.

Even if you are planning on going out to dinner to celebrate with friends, a couple of cocktails can land you in jail. A simple miscalculation that gives the police a reason to pull you over and they smell alcohol on your breath those two drinks could end up costing you jail time, hefty fines and the installation of the ignition interlock device.

If unfortunately you are arrested for a DUI over the holidays, I will be available 24 hours a day throughout the holiday season. Offering personal legal representation defending individuals in all Arizona federal, state and city courts, I represent clients in Phoenix and surrounding areas that include Apache Junction, Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe, Arizona.

1st Time Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence (under .15 BAC)

• Minimum jail 10 days jail, but 9 may be suspended
• Maximum Jail – 6 months
• Fines

• $20 Probation Fee
• 90 day License Suspension
• Possible Probation up to 5 years
• Alcohol / Drug Screening & Classes
• Possible community service
• Pay for jail incarceration
• Possible monthly probation fees
• Possible SR22 insurance
• 1-year Ignition interlock (6 months beginning January 1, 2012)

Drinking & driving with children in the car

When planning a family outing to celebrate the Christmas holiday please know that you can be charged with an aggravated DUI if you have children in the car that are younger than 15.

If you are found Guilty under ARS 28-1383, there are “mandatory minimum” sentences. For example, if convicted, you must serve a minimum 4 months in the Arizona Department of Corrections. If on the other hand you are granted probation, it can last up to 10 years. Furthermore, if this is a first felony conviction and you are not given probation, you would serve 1 - 3.75 year.

Aggravated Driving Under the Influence

• Minimum Jail time - 10 days jail, however, 9 may be suspended
• Maximum Jail time - 2 years in prison and possibly higher if you have prior felony convictions
• Aggravated DUI Fines:

• 3-year license revocation
• Probation up to 10 years if jail sentence
• Alcohol / Drug Screening & Classes
• Possible community service
• Up to 10 years of probation
• Monthly probation fees – usually $65/month
• Possible SR22 insurance
• 2 years Ignition Interlock
• DNA taken
• Victim Impact Panel
• Possible Driving Under the Influence Court program
• Felony on your record

Celebrate the holidays safely and remember to pass the keys if you decide to celebrate with drinks no matter how few. The safety of you, your family and innocent bystanders can be a risk with you behind the wheel even if you’re slightly “buzzed.”

If unfortunately, you are facing felony DUI charges for an aggravated DUI, don’t take a chance with your future and contact an experienced DUI attorney in Phoenix to represent you.
To learn more contact Aaron Black or call 480-729-1683 for a free consultation. Again, I will be available 24 hours a day throughout the holiday season. Be safe!