Phoenix DUI

Thousands of people are caught driving under the influence in Phoenix every year, but many of these people could have avoided convictions or fines if they had been more careful when stopped by an officer. One of the most important things is to be fully aware of Phoenix DUI law, and to have a legal advisor who is knowledgeable about the various stipulations of these laws. One of the most common reasons for people being brought in for driving under the influence is in fact not a failure of a breath-alcohol test or a chemical test, but inappropriate behavior after being pulled over.

There are a few things that you need to know if you are every pulled over for DUI. The first of these is that Phoenix DUI law requires you to submit to a chemical test for blood alcohol. This can either be a breathalyzer test or a blood test, whichever is available on the scene. Refusing to submit to either of these tests will immediately result in you being arrested, and can make defending your case very difficult in court. However, if you comply with the officer in a polite, friendly way without talking too much, a slightly high blood-alcohol level might be overlooked, or result in a warning.

Remember that you always have the right to remain silent. Phoenix DUI law states that you do not have to speak to the officer at all, and only need to give him your license, registration and submit to a chemical test. Talking is not always discouraged though, and if you are sober enough, explaining that you only had one or two drinks can often go a lot further than denying that you had been drinking. However, explaining that you only had one or two drinks while slurring and holding a beer will almost certainly land you in prison, so when in doubt keep silent!

Police officers are taught to look out for certain driving characteristics that are common to drunk drivers. Phoenix DUI arrests often occur when a driver is driving the way he or she thinks they would normally drive, but they are actually driving in a completely different manner. Turning too widely, swerving suddenly, indicating and then doing the opposite action, breaking suddenly, weaving across lanes, driving under 10mph below the speed limit and driving without headlights are only some of a long list of driver behaviors looked for by traffic officers.

If you suspect that you might be too intoxicated to drive, try to find someone else to drive for you. If this is not an option and there is nowhere for you to stay the night, try to drive as simply as possible. Take the most direct route home, stay in your lane, and focus on one activity at a time (indicating, turning, checking mirrors and blind spots). Pretend you are a learner driver and treat every task as extremely challenging, and you will get home safely as well as avoid a nasty Phoenix DUI case.

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