Tucson DUI With Injury Defense

Tucson DUI Defense Lawyer - DUI with Injury

The main reason behind DUI laws, generally, is that drinking and driving (or driving under the influence of drugs) is dangerous to human life.  Impaired driving increases the risk of accidents, and thus injuries, and even fatalities.  In run of the mill DUI cases, the defendant maintains the benefit of not having caused actual harm.  In other words, a person who is arrested at a checkpoint, or pulled over for speeding has not injured anyone.  Unfortunately many DUI cases draw police involvement because of a collision.  In fact, nearly 300,000 Americans are injured each year in DUI accidents. 

Police responding to any accident will be on the lookout for impaired driving.  Even injured people who are themselves taken to the hospital often end up being charged with DUI, though they cannot be charged for causing their own injuries.  If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with DUI in a case where another person was injured, it is imperative that you have a knowledgeable attorney on your side to challenge the evidence and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.  Contact the Tucson Defenders now for a FREE CONSULTATION.  520-585-5757.

Under Arizona law, a person drives  under the influence of any liquor, any drug, a vapor releasing substance and impaired to the slightest degree.  It is not required that a person be "above the limit" to be deemed impaired under Arizona's strict laws.  The .08 BAC alcohol limit is a per se DUI violation in that driving with a BAC of .08 or higher (.04 while operating a commercial vehicle) is driving under the influence, even if the driver is not impaired.  Additionally, having any controlled substance in the body is DUI.  With various ways of proving DUI, the prosecution's burden is often not difficult for them to meet.  A very thorough defense is vital.

Arizona law makes DUI a felony in circumstances where it causes bodily injury or significant harm to another person (including a passenger, and occupant of another vehicle, pedestrian).  DUI with injury, or aggravated DUI, is punishable as a Class 4 Felony, punishable by up to three years in prison for a first offender, and fines up to $150,000.  Penalties for repeat offenders are even greater.  Other penalties include a driver's license revocation of at least three years, up to five years of probation, mandatory drug and alcohol screening/counseling, traffic school, community service, and installation of ignition interlock devices. 

Additionally, a conviction designated as a felony can have a substantial limiting impact on a person's life, including problems with employment, finding housing, receiving government benefits, maintaining or obtaining professional licenses, firearm ownership, and much more.  The stakes are simply much higher in a DUI case involving an accident, and it is important to have a knowledgeable DUI lawyer on your side, fighting for you.

RELATED ARTICLES: 
Driving Under the Influence, Drug Crimes, Aggravated DUI, DUI Drugs, DUI Causing Injury, Multiple Offense DUI

If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with DUI, contact the Tucson Defenders now for a FREE CONSULTATION with a Tucson Criminal Defense and DUI Lawyer.  520-585-5757

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DUI Resources:
Pima County Law Library
NHTSA AZ Highway Safety Report
NHTSA Website
ADOT DUI Information
Alcoholics Anonymous

Tucson, AZ DUI Important Links:
Tucson City Court (Misdemeanors In City Limits)
Pima County Justice Court (Misdemeanors)
Pima County Superior Court (Felonies)
AZDPS DUI Enforcement Unit
Tucson Police Department