Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Facts
Drivers who consume alcohol or drugs to the point of impairment are Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
Drunk driving is not something taken lightly by the State of Arizona. DUI laws are vigorously enforced and violations carry hefty consequences. A DUI conviction can mean loss of license, higher insurance rates, mandatory ignition interlock, travel limitations, and possibly jail time. Do not leave your charge to chance. Knowledge is power. Let’s go over some of the DUI basics!
How do police determine if someone is drunk?
In most cases, police observe a vehicle driving erratically and pull it over. Upon approaching the driver, if there are any further signs of intoxication (slurred speech or alcohol on breath) they will proceed with testing. There are several evaluations which aid law enforcement personnel when determining whether or not someone is too intoxicated to be behind the wheel. These tests are split into two different categories: Field Sobriety Tests (FST), or chemical tests. FSTs judge physical characteristics that are altered by alcohol consumption. Chemical tests scientifically examine blood, breath, or urine to determine if the subject’s blood alcohol content is over the .08 legal limit. Both forms of testing have their respective pros and cons in terms of accuracy.
Is there any way to get out of a DUI charge?
Absolutely! There are many ways to reduce or potentially eliminate a DUI charge. But if you’re considering not hiring a lawyer or just choosing a lawyer at random, you should probably think again. DUI law is one of the most complicated areas of law, partly because it’s always changing. In fact, the Arizona Code of DUI is over 40 pages long!
What you need is a team of lawyers who work with DUI cases in Arizona just like yours every single day. You need lawyers that know the ins and outs of the court room, from what papers to file to suppressing wrongfully obtained evidence. And you need a team of lawyers with a dedicated staff to help research and investigate your case from interviewing witnesses to speaking with police. The firm of Jeffrey S. Siirtola is ready for your case!