Repeat DUI Offenses in Arizona
According to statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), around one-third of all drivers arrested for or convicted of drunk driving are repeat DUI offenders. Another 50 to 75 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive, even on a suspended license. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control state that an average drunk driver has already driven drunk 80 times before they are arrested the first time.
What Penalties Can a Repeat DUI Offender Face?
Arizona is considered one of the toughest states on DUI offenders. Even first time offenders can face harsh consequences including jail time. Under Arizona DUI, the more often you commit a DUI offence, the harsher the resulting punishments. If you are facing a second DUI offence, you will spend a minimum of 30 days in prison, pay at least $500 in fines and lose your license for a year if convicted. If you face a third DUI offence, you will spend a minimum of 4 months in jail, pay at least $750 in fines and lose your license for a year. If you injure or kill someone while driving drunk, you will face harsher penalties, even if it is your first offence. However, if you have previous DUI convictions, the penalties will be even harsher. For example, if you have two previous DUI convictions within the last seven years or were ordered to have an Ignition Interlock Device on your vehicle and are arrested for DUI, you will be charged with a felony. Penalties for a felony conviction include prison, thousands of dollars in fines, probation, license revocation, counseling and more.
Defense for Repeat DUI Offenders
If you are a repeat DUI offender, you will face much stiffer penalties than if you were a first time offender. To set yourself up for the best possible outcome it is important that you speak to a criminal defense attorney like those at the Oswalt Law Group. For years we have helped those facing DUI charges minimize their resulting penalties or even completely eliminating them. Any DUI charge is serious, but it is even more serious when you have already been convicted of a DUI. To ensure you have the best representation and defense, call the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Oswalt Law Group today. Give our criminal defense attorneys a call today to set up your free initial consultation.