First DUI

Many individuals who are charged with a first DUI believe they are capable of driving after having a few drinks, but unfortunately they have an alcohol concentration level higher than the legal limit. The legal limit in Arizona is .08. This is a low level and can often result in arrests for DUI even though many individuals are probably capable of driving in a safe manner with an alcohol concentration at this level. Typically, the legal limit in Arizona is equivalent to around one or two alcoholic drinks, depending on a person’s body type and weight, amount of food they have consumed and how long they have been drinking.

If you are charged with a first DUI in Arizona, you can receive very serious penalties if convicted, including mandatory jail time, installation of an ignition interlock device, steep fines, a driver’s license suspension, increased auto insurance rates, a mark on your criminal record and/or possible limits on educational and professional opportunities.

If you have been charged with a first DUI in Mesa, or any of the surrounding East Valley areas, including Gilbert, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale or Phoenix, contact the Law Office of James E. Novak. Attorney James Novak is knowledgeable in all areas of Arizona’s driving under the influence laws and will make every effort to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your particular situation. Call the Law Office of James E. Novak for a free consultation at (480) 413-1499 about your first alleged DUI offense.

• Mesa Driving Under the Influence
• Under the Influence in Arizona
• Actual Physical Control in Tempe
• Arizona Alcohol Concentration Level (BAC)
• Penalties for a First DUI Conviction in Mesa
• Maricopa County Resources for a First DUI

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According to section 28-1381(A) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, an individual can be charged with a first driving under the influence offense throughout Arizona if they drive or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while:

• Under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, a vapor releasing substance containing a toxic substance, or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor releasing substances if the person is impaired to the slightest degree;
• They have an alcohol concentration of .08 or more up to two hours after driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle and the alcohol concentration level is from consuming alcohol either before or while driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle;
• There is any controlled substance as defined in the Arizona Revised Statutes in the alleged offender’s body; or
• The driver has an alcohol concentration of .04 or more and the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle that requires the driver to have a commercial driver’s license.

According to ARS § 28-101(17), to drive in Arizona is defined as operating or being in actual physical control of a motor vehicle. Arizona law defines a motor vehicle under § 28-101(33) as:

• A self-propelled vehicle, or
• A vehicle that is operated on the highways and propelled by motor vehicle fuel.

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According to the Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-1381, an individual is under the influence if they have an alcohol concentration of .08 or higher within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle. This is also known as per se driving under the influence. This means the individual can automatically be arrested and charged for DUI if their alcohol concentration is at this level or higher.

An individual is presumed to not be under the influence if they have an alcohol concentration level of .05 or less within two hours after driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle. Also, an individual may or may not be under the influence if they have an alcohol concentration level between .05 and .08 within two hours after driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle.

Additionally, an individual can be under the influence if they are impaired to the slightest degree. This means an individual can have any amount of alcohol and be arrested for DUI in Arizona if the arresting officer believes they are impaired at all.

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Arizona law does not actually define actual physical control (APC) for the purpose of driving under the influence. APC is usually an issue if the alleged DUI offender was not driving the car, but had a key in the ignition or was asleep at the wheel.

The Arizona Supreme Court held in Arizona v. Zaragoza that APC is determined by whether the alleged offender’s current or imminent control of the vehicle presented a danger to himself or the public at the time of the arrest, based on the totality of the circumstances.

This court decision means an individual can be charged with DUI in Arizona even if they are not actually driving at the time of the alleged offense.

Factors the court will instruct the jury to look at to determine if the alleged offender had APC based on the totality of the circumstances can include:

• Whether the vehicle was running;
• Whether the ignition was on;
• Where the driver was found;
• Where the keys were located;
• Whether the vehicle was stopped;
• The weather conditions for the day;
• The time of day;
• Whether the driver voluntarily pulled over; and/or
• Whether the driver was awake or asleep.

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Blood alcohol content or concentration (BAC) is defined as the amount of alcohol present in the alleged offender’s bloodstream. According to the Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-101, this is measured by the number of grams of:

• Alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood, or
• Alcohol per 210 liters of breath.

If the alleged offender has a BAC of .08%, they are presumed to be under the influence of alcohol and can be charged with a DUI.

Generally, .08% is a very low level and can be reached when anyone drinks a minimal amount of alcoholic beverages. For example, a person who weighs 100 pounds in Arizona likely has a BAC .065% after two drinks, which may indicate they are under the influence. After having three drinks, an individual who weighs 100 pounds probably has a BAC of .097, which is over Arizona’s legal limit and they are presumed to be under the influence.

One drink in Arizona is equal to a 1 ounce shot of 86 proof liquor, one 12 ounce beer (or 4.5% alcohol by volume), or one 3 ounce glass of wine.

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A first DUI in Arizona can result in a class1 misdemeanor according to section 28-1381(C) of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which is punishable by a mandatory ten consecutive days in jail. The alleged DUI offender is not eligible for probation unless they serve all of their time in jail. Additionally, an alleged DUI offender can face:

• A fine of at least $250,
• Installation of an ignition interlock device for at least one year,
• Community restitution,
• Assessment of $500 to be deposited in the prison construction and operations fund,
• Assessment of $500 to be deposited in the public safety equipment fund,
• Alcohol or drug screening,
• Alcohol or drug education or treatment program,
• Court costs,
• A driver’s license suspension for 90 days, and/or
• A criminal record.

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Arizona Revised Statutes – Chapter 4 of Title 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes defines driving under the influence laws in Arizona. This link is to a first DUI offense and the penalties an individual can receive if they are convicted of this offense.

Arizona v. Zaragoza – This link is to the Arizona’s Supreme Court decision on the definition of actual physical control for the purpose of charging an alleged offender with driving under the influence.

Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) – This website is to the Arizona Department of Public Safety’s website on impaired driving throughout the state. This link provides information DUI laws in the state, an overview of impaired driving, statistics on impaired driving and potential penalties for repeat offender in the state.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving – This national nonprofit organizations aims to prevent individuals from drinking and driving, stop drunk driving, prevent accidents that can result from driving under the influence, and provides support to individuals who are victims of an alcohol-related accident.

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Contact the Law Office of James E. Novak today for a consultation about your first drinking and driving offense throughout Maricopa County in Arizona. James Novak is an experienced Mesa DUI attorney who will make every effort to help you avoid the most serious penalties and repercussions to your alleged criminal charges. Contact the Law Office of James E. Novak at (480) 413-1499 for a consultation about your alleged first DUI in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, or nearby areas.