How to Handle a DUI Stop in Arizona

In Arizona, like all other states, it’s illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Arizona state law says you can be charged for DUI if your “BAC” (blood alcohol concentration) is higher than 0.08%.

You can be charged with DUI if the officer suspects you’re driving under the influence of narcotics or prescription drugs, and it’s impairing your driving ability. So, if you have a BAC under the legal limit, but you reek of pot, the officer will consider this a DUI offense at a traffic stop.

If the cops stop you because they think you’re driving drunk, you need to know how to handle the situation, or you could end up facing DUI charges, or something much worse. Let’s look at how to deal with a DUI stop, and the rights you have when the police decide to start gathering evidence against you. 

Treat the Police Officers Respectfully, and Avoid Talking

Never admit to driving drunk. If the officer asks you if you’ve been drinking, the only acceptable answer is “no.” Saying you had a couple a few hours ago, but you’re fine now, is basically admitting to DUI, and the officer will start gathering evidence against you. 

Never be aggressive or defensive with the officers, they may use this behavior against you, and you could end up escalating the situation to something much worse. 

Locate Your Driver’s License, Vehicle Registration and Proof of Insurance

If the police stop you on a suspected DUI, it helps if you have your documentation ready to go, so keep it on hand in the glove box. Don’t reach for it before the police officer asks you to. 

Turn on the Interior Light and Keep Your Hands on the Wheel

Keep your hands on the wheel in plain sight of the officer until they give you instructions to reach for your documentation. You don’t want the officers to see you as a threat and possibly use force against you. To make their line of sight plainly visible, tun on the cabin light in your vehicle and immediately place your hands on the wheel.

Call Your DUI Lawyer Right Away

If the police accuse you of DUI, ask politely to call your Arizona DUI lawyer right there. Don’t wait to make the call, do it as soon as you can.

Ask for a Release

If the police pull you over on a DUI stop, you have the right to request a release so you can have your blood alcohol level tested by an independent hospital lab.  

Never Admit to DUI, Avoid Questions, and Don’t Consent to Being Filmed

The police will stop you for a DUI if they believe there’s reasonable suspicion you’re driving drunk or using drugs. If they stop you and notice you have slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, or you seem uncoordinated or smell of liquor, they’ll make a decision as to whether to gather evidence against you. Your goal should be to limit the opportunities they have to gather evidence before you’re arrested.

Refuse Eye and Coordination Field Tests

When you’re pulled over for a suspected DUI, the officer will request you to take a field sobriety test. It’s part of their evidence gathering, and they’ll use it to funnel you into taking a breathalyzer, blood, or urine test to determine your BAC. No one ever passes the eye and coordination field tests, so refuse it, even if the officer tells you that you have to do it.

Refuse the Breathalyzer Test

While Arizona state law has a “implied consent” clause that allows the officer to breathalyze you, you don’t have to comply with it if you know you’re over the limit. While avoiding the breathalyzer might lead to intimidation tactics from the police into getting you to take the test, they can’t force you to do it. You’ll end up facing an administrative license suspension, DUI charges are a lot worse. Just refuse the test. 

Don’t Try to Talk Your Way Out of a DUI – It Won’t Work

Police officers who suspect you’re drunk behind the wheel may adopt an aggressive posture towards you. They’ll shout commands at you, intimidate you, and expect you to comply with their instructions. 

The police are there to ensure public safety and their own, and their job is to gather evidence against you that the prosecutor can present in court. Don’t ever drop the names of friends you have on the force, or prevent the officers from carrying out their duty, it will only make things much worse for you. 

How to Avoid a DUI Charge in Arizona

The only way you can avoid a DUI charge in Arizona is to avoid getting behind the wheel when you’re under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants. Drunk drivers are a risk to others on the road, pedestrians, the general public, and local infrastructure. 

It’s a selfish act that puts the community at risk and comes with severe repercussions guaranteed to make you regret your actions for years to come, perhaps even for the rest of your life. 

If you catch a case and the officer charges you with DUI, you can forget about going to that job interview next week, and prospective landlords will want nothing to do with you. Why put your life on hold when you can hail an Uber instead of getting behind the wheel?

What Do You Do If You’re Charged for DUI in Arizona?

If you’re stopped at a roadblock for drunk driving in Arizona, the best position you can take is to follow the guide outlined above and call the Rosenstein Law Group for immediate assistance. Your Lawyer can help you reduce your charges, or the penalties involved with your conviction. 

They’ll help you structure a plea bargain to reduce your charges, and the extent of the penalties you face. Without a lawyer to help you navigate the legal system surrounding your DUI charges, you’re likely to experience the full extent of punishment the law can provide. Don’t take that chance, call an experienced attorney to help you with your case.