The rising incidences of DUIs (driving under the influence) in Arizona have prompted lawmakers to institute higher fines, making it more difficult for offenders to circumvent the consequences of their actions.

The Arizona DUI fines are now pegged at $1,450 for first-time offenders and $3,400 for second-time offenders. This includes standard fines, surcharges (amounting to 80 percent of the fines), additional $500 fine imposed on first-timers, and $1240 for repeat offenders. These additional fines were imposed in August 2005, to augment the standard fines that only covered expenses for court procedures.

The additional money goes to improvements in highway safety systems and prison housing facilities, according to Arizona lawmakers.? The Arizona Department of Public Safety is adding more police \ along highways to help deter and arrest drivers who go on the road while under the influence of alcohol and other substances.? The fines also go to “prison construction assessments,”? since every DUI offender found guilty needs to serve a mandatory prison sentence.

Note that fines actually vary depending on the gravity of the offense. First-time offenders found to have very high alcohol content in their bloodstream (.15 or more) may be asked to pay as much as $2,700.? The fines stated above are the minimum fines, and depending on the judge, an offender may be forced to pay a much higher amount. In addition to the crippling fines, DUI offenders may also lose their driver’s license and are ordered to submit to alcohol screening and drug and alcohol counseling sessions.

If you happen to be charged with DUI and cannot pay the fine upfront, you have the option of paying it over time.? Immediately consult with an experienced Arizona DUI attorney to prevent losing your license and to protect yourself from other possible fees. But the best advice is still prevention – don’t drink and drive. This way you stay safe, avoid fines and keep your record clean. [http://www.e-ArizonaDUIAttorneys.com]Arizona DUI Attorneys provides detailed information on Arizona DUI Attorneys, Arizona DUI Fines, Arizona DUI Defense, Arizona DUI Laws and more. Arizona DUI Attorneys is affiliated with [http://www.e-ArizonaDUILawyers.com]Arizona DUI Penalties.

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In case of a DUI related crime, the penalty handed down to an accused depends mainly on two factors, the type of DUI that was charged, which is dependent on the gravity of the crime or offense, and on the criminal record of the accused.

In case of being a first DUI or if the Blood Alcohol Count (BAC) is above the specified limit of .080, the sentence could be jail term of 10 consecutive days, nine of which are subject to being suspended on completion of the substance and alcohol abuse screening, counselling and treatment ordered by the court. A fine of $1475 is charged with additional amount of $250 towards the DUI abatement fund, and a suspension of the driver’s license for three months. The judge could also put the accused on probation of up to five years.

In case of a second DUI or BAC above the level of 0.080, a 90 days jail sentence is awarded, of which 60 days can be suspended based on the completion of substance and alcohol abuse screening, counselling and treatment as ordered by the court. The fine is $2675, with additional amount of $250 towards the DUI abatement fund, revoking of the driver’s licence for one year, and a possible probation period of five years. The court has the right to forfeit a vehicle belonging to the accused which he or she was driving, at time of the arrest for DUI.

In case of a first extreme DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, the sentence could be jail term of 30 consecutive days of which 20 days can be suspended on completion of the substance and alcohol abuse screening, counselling and treatment ordered by the court. A fine of $2225 is charged with additional amount of $250 towards the DUI abatement fund, a suspension of the driver’s license for three months i.e. 90 days. The judge could also put the accused on probation of up to five years.

In case of a second extreme DUI with a BAC of 0.15 or higher, the sentence could be jail term of 120 days, 60 of which are subject to being suspended on completion of the substance and alcohol abuse screening, counselling and treatment ordered by the court. A fine of $2225 is charged with additional amount of $250 towards the DUI abatement fund, a suspension of the driver’s license for three months. The judge could also put the accused on probation of up to five years.

In the case of a felony DUI in the presence of a child under the age of 15, if the accused has a clean record previously, the accused will have to serve a prison term for between 4 months to 2 years. The fine slapped is up to $150,000 with a surcharge of 80 percent. The driver’s license of the accused is revoked for three years, the probation period extends up to ten years and the court has the right to seize the vehicle in which the DUI felony was committed.

For a felony DUI or a third DUI in the last sixty months, the minimum sentence to be served is 1 year to 3.75 years in prison. The fine is up to $150,000 with a surcharge of 80 percent, with the driver’s license standing revoked for three years and a possible probation of up to ten years. The punishment includes a possible forfeiture of the vehicle in which the last felony was committed. [http://www.e-ArizonaDUIAttorneys.com]Arizona DUI Attorneys provides detailed information on Arizona DUI Attorneys, Arizona DUI Fines, Arizona DUI Defense, Arizona DUI Laws and more. Arizona DUI Attorneys is affiliated with [http://www.e-ArizonaDUILawyers.com]Arizona DUI Penalties.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Emerson http://EzineArticles.com/?Arizona-DUI-Penalties&id=410239