The state of Arizona has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to underage DUI (underage drinking and driving), and that policy means that if you are caught drinking and driving, regardless of how low your blood alcohol concentration level may be, you will be charged with a DUI in Arizona. But what else does this mean? Well for one, it also means you will face criminal charges if found guilty of drinking and driving if you are under the legal drinking age of 21 in Arizona.
Let’s Discuss Arizona’s Zero Tolerance policy, what it means if you’ve been caught drinking and driving underage, and what Arja Shah can do to help.
Penalties for Underage DUI – Drinking and Driving in Arizona
Unfortunately for some underage drivers who are caught drinking and driving — even those who may have only had a glass of champagne to celebrate a friend’s college graduation — those who are found to be in actual physical control of the vehicle will face severe penalties for drinking and driving underage in Arizona.
According to Arizona Revised Statute ARS 4-244 (34), underage driving under the influence comes with some hefty penalties and fines.
To begin, even if your blood alcohol concentration is barely registered on the breathalyzer, you will face the same consequences as an of-age driver found to have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or greater.
For the first offenses of underage driving, you can expect the following penalties:
- Suspension of your driver’s license for two years
- Up to $500 in court fees and other fines
- Court-ordered education on substance abuse
- Regular drug and alcohol screening
- Court-mandated drug and alcohol counseling
- Community service as ordered by the judge in your case
For second offenses of underage drinking and driving in the state of Arizona, defendants who are found guilty of these charges can expect the following penalties, fines, and fees:
- Detention for up to 30 days
- Up to $500 in court fees and other fines as determined by the judge in your case
- Substance abuse education as ordered by the court
- Regular drug and alcohol screening
- Regular drug and alcohol counseling
- Community service as ordered by the judge in your case
It is important to note that in a second DUI offense if your license has already been suspended and is still under suspension, the judge in your case may extend the suspension; if your license was previously suspended for the same offense under Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 4-244(34), but is no longer suspended due to the amount of time that has passed since the previous suspension, the court will re-suspend your driver’s license again for up to two or more years.
Underage DUI Defense in Arizona: How Arja Shah Can Help?
If you or someone you know and care about has been charged with underage drinking and driving in Arizona, Arja Shah can offer legal representation for your drinking and driving charges.
Arja Shah understands the charges you are up against and has fought and won DUI cases all across Arizona — she understands how to create a winning defense and has done so in thousands of cases.
For Parents of Children Facing Underage DUI Charges
At the Shah Law Firm, we know this can be an exceptionally scary time for both parents and children, which is exactly why we want you to know that good person can make bad choices and still be good people. The charges you are up against can seem overwhelming at first, but once you have had your completely free, no-cost legal consultation with Arja Shah, we promise, you will feel much better about the chances you have of fighting your case and winning — and that means these underage DUI charges will never be a part of your child’s “permanent record.”
Get started today by building your winning defense against underage drinking charges in Arizona. To schedule your free legal consultation with Arja Shah, dial 602-560-7408 today.
