Arizona DUI Statistics

After declining in 2005 from the previous year, arrests in Arizona for driving under the influence (DUI) increased slowly but steadily over the next three years. During the same 2004 to 2008 reporting period, the percentage of vehicle crashes in the state in which alcohol played a part averaged 5.6 percent.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's annual Crime in the U.S. reports show a drop in DUI arrests of nearly 9 percent from 2004 to 2005 (37,813 to 34,437). Annual increases through 2008 averaged nearly 5 percent.

2008 Figures Show Small Improvement over 2007

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation's annual Arizona Motor Vehicles Crash Facts, of the 119,588 crashes in 2008, 6,757 were alcohol-related and left 324 and 4,733 injured. The 2008 totals were an improvement over 2007, with 7,889 alcohol-related crashes out of a total of 140,371, and 396 dead and 5,496 injured.

The penalty in Arizona for a first DUI conviction is immediate suspension of driving privileges, a minimum of 10 days in jail and a $250 fine; alcohol screening, followed by either education or treatment; community service; and the installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) on the offender's vehicle. This prevents the car from being started until the driver passes a BAC breath test.

DUI Conviction Can Be Financial Hardship

If you've been arrested for DUI, the consequences can be substantial, including the potential financial losses. In addition to various fines and court costs, you face loss of income if you go to jail or have to rely on public transportation to get to work. There is also the cost of installing the IID and having it serviced, and of paying higher insurance rates.

Contact a DUI Lawyer

You need an experienced DUI attorney on your side. The right attorney will ensure that you receive all your rights as a defendant and, if you are convicted, fight to see that your punishment will not cause you undue financial hardship. Contact a drunk driving defense attorney today.