DUI

DUI Charges & DUI Cases

Van Norman Law in Phoenix, Arizona has seen more DUI cases than we can count. In the state of Arizona, a DUI charge is a serious offense. A DUI conviction can cost thousands in fines, fees, insurance premiums, etc. The severity of the charge and the financial threat imposed make it a wise choice to consult a professional when dealing with DUI charges.

Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence (DUI) is the crime of driving while intoxicated but in some cases can include being physically in control of a car while intoxicated. The legal limit of blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08, meaning your blood is comprised of 8% ethyl alcohol. If you are pulled over while driving with a BAC that exceeds this percentage you will be charged with a DUI. Although laws differ from state to state, as a general rule being in the car, driving the car, or taking the wheel of a car while your blood alcohol content exceeds .08, is a DUI.

How to Handle a DUI

Of course, the best defense against a DUI is to avoid getting behind the wheel in the first place. However, sometimes the unexpected happens and situations arise that lead to a lapse in judgment. In the event that you are pulled over after drinking an amount of alcohol that might lead to a BAC exceeding .08, you ought to refuse the field sobriety test. This does not preclude you from submitting to a BAC test. After refusing the field sobriety tests, law enforcement will take you into the station to take a blood test. The reason for this strategy is that your BAC will inevitably decline between the time you are pulled over and the time the blood test is administered. If you’re BAC exceeds .08, you will be charged with a DUI.

In the case of this event, you should contact Van Norman Law to mitigate the penalty of the charge or argue for reducing the infraction to reckless driving.