Former NBA player and Coach charged with a DUI

Derek Fischer, a former NBA player, and Coach, was charged with a DUI last week after he rolled his Cadillac in Los Angeles. His vehicle veered and hit a raised concrete curb and a guard rail before coming to rest on its roof. In the course of the accident investigation officers “discovered” Fisher had been drinking, and he was arrested.

Drinking and driving are a decision that is often made in haste by either thinking you just had a few drinks, and you’re ok to drive, or you’ve had so much to drink that all sense reason is lost in the alcohol. With that being said before you begin drinking, please make arrangements to get home by making plans of time.

It’s easy enough these days to get a ride with Uber and Lyft. Another option, of course, is to simply designate a driver so that you may avoid your freedom being taken away. A DUI can happen at any time to anyone at any place based on one decision, getting behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking.

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

• 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)

2nd Time Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence Above a .08 BAC (but less than .15)

• New DUI charge must be within 84 months of the date of 1st DUI conviction.
• Minimum jail - 90 days jail, but 60 may be suspended if successfully complete alcohol classes.
• Maximum Jail – 6 months
• Fines

• 1-year license revocation (no driving at all)
• Possible Probation up to 5 years
• Alcohol / Drug Screening & Classes
• 30+ hours community service
• Pay for jail incarceration
• Possible monthly probation fees
• Possible SR22 insurance
• 1 year Ignition interlock

If of course you make the mistaked of getting behind the wheel after drinking, I strongly recommend that you contact an experienced DUI Defense Attorney in Phoenix to represent you. Not every attorney understands the complexities of DUI defense law so I encourage you to check their qualifications thoroughly before asking them to represent you.

Have questions about the DUI laws in Phoenix? Contact Aaron Black or call 480-729-1683 for a free consultation.