{"id":16810,"date":"2019-08-30T08:51:59","date_gmt":"2019-08-30T15:51:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/?p=16810"},"modified":"2024-11-26T15:43:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T22:43:31","slug":"dui-no-breathalyzer-or-blood-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jacksonwhitelaw.com\/criminal-defense-law\/blog\/dui-no-breathalyzer-or-blood-test\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Get a DUI in Arizona Without Taking a Breathalyzer or Blood Test?"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019re arrested for driving under the influence, the investigation of your DUI doesn\u2019t end there. The police officer will usually ask you to perform a urine, breath, or blood test to determine your BAC<\/a> (blood alcohol content). You can refuse to take the test, but this will likely result in a license suspension.<\/p>\n Arizona has strict DUI laws and harsh penalties for people who drive under the influence in the state. Jail time, high fines, and a permanent mark on your record are some of the consequences you might face. Many people mistakenly think that you can\u2019t receive a DUI conviction without performing a blood or breathalyzer test. But you can still get a conviction based on other evidence, even if you don\u2019t comply with the test.<\/p>\n According to state law, it\u2019s illegal to drive if you\u2019re impaired by any drug, intoxicating liquor, vapor-releasing substance, or combination of any of these. Even if you don\u2019t necessarily feel impaired, you can still receive a conviction. This applies if you have a BAC of 0.08 percent or more from alcohol consumed within two hours of being in physical control of or driving a vehicle.<\/p>\n Some states separate \u201cdriving under the influence<\/a>\u201d and \u201cdriving while intoxicated,\u201d but Arizona law considers them the same crime. Whether you\u2019re driving under the influence of alcohol or another substance, or you have a BAC of 0.08 percent or more within two hours of driving, you may face severe consequences.<\/p>\n Law enforcement officers may choose to administer a few different tests to determine your level of impairment. According to state law, when you operate a motor vehicle, it\u2019s implied<\/a> that you consent to such a test. A breathalyzer test uses the air in your lungs to determine your BAC, while a blood test looks at your bloodstream and a urine test determines how much alcohol is in your stomach.<\/p>\n Arizona law allows someone to receive a DUI charge without a chemical test. Witness testimony (including a statement from a police officer) might be used to convict you of the crime. A witness may testify about your slurred speech, erratic driving, your attitude or demeanor when stopped, a strong alcohol smell, and open containers in your car<\/a>, among other factors.<\/p>\n Penalties for driving under the influence include receiving a felony charge, facing large fines, a license suspension, time in jail, and even the possibility of losing the right to carry a firearm or vote.<\/p>\n An experienced criminal defense lawyer might be able to find many different potential defenses for a DUI charge. These include the way a sobriety test was given, the officer\u2019s reason for arresting you, or the accuracy of a breathalyzer<\/a> or blood test. The state is responsible for proving that you had control of or were driving the vehicle. If no witnesses are available to give a testimony about who was driving, the prosecution may be unable to prove this.<\/p>\n If an officer can\u2019t explain why they reasonably suspected that a crime was occurring, about to occur, or already had occurred, their evidence regarding your intoxication might be suppressed. In order to arrest you, an officer must have probable cause, such as objective circumstances or facts that would lead a reasonable individual to decide a crime is under way. If the police officer only had a hunch rather than legitimate probable cause, the court may dismiss your case.<\/p>\n Here are some common queries regarding DUI charges in Arizona:<\/p>\n As mentioned, you can <\/i>refuse a test, but you may receive a license suspension<\/a> in addition to other penalties if you do. And even if you refuse the test, the officer can still investigate your BAC through other means, such as a search warrant that authorizes a blood test. For your refusal to comply to a test, you may receive an \u201corder of suspension\u201d that leads to a license suspension 15 days after your arrest date.<\/p>\n The officer will take your permit or license immediately if you refuse to take a sobriety test. For a first refusal, you\u2019ll get a 12-month suspension period, and you\u2019ll receive 24 months for a subsequent refusal if it\u2019s in the following 7-year period. You will have to wait the full 12 or 24-month period and prove that you completed a drug or alcohol screening before you can get your license back.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re arrested for a DUI, you will have to go to jail. How long you\u2019ll be in jail will depend on your criminal history, whether or not you\u2019ve had a DUI before, your blood alcohol concentration, and the details regarding your case. If it\u2019s your first offense<\/a>, the mandatory jail period is a minimum of 24 hours.<\/p>\n A DUI charge is extremely serious according to Arizona law and can impact your future financially, personally, and professionally. It\u2019s imperative that you speak with a DUI lawyer<\/a> as soon as possible if you\u2019ve been accused of driving under the influence. They will help you decide whether to plead guilty, request a jury trial, or try to plea bargain to get lesser penalties.<\/p>\nDUI Laws in Arizona<\/h2>\n
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Blood, Urine, and Breathalyzer Tests<\/h3>\n
Ways You can Receive a Conviction without a Blood or Breath Test<\/h3>\n
Consequences of a DUI Charge<\/h3>\n
Possible Defenses for a DUI Charge in Arizona<\/h2>\n
Frequently Asked Questions on DUI Charges<\/h2>\n
Q: What happens if I refuse to take a sobriety test?<\/h3>\n
Q: How long do I have to wait before I can get my license back?<\/h3>\n
Q: Will I have to go to jail if I get a DUI charge in Arizona?<\/h3>\n
What to Do if You’re Facing DUI Charges in Arizona<\/h2>\n