Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

Arizona DUI Enforcement Statistics for 2011 were released recently from the Governor's Office of Highway Safety. Results concluded that Arizona DUI arrests increase 29% in 2011 over prior year. Drug DUI arrests were made in staggering numbers throughout Maricopa County and the State of Arizona. For example, in the city of Mesa, Arizona Drug DUI arrests constituted 52% of all of Mesa's DUI arrests.

Officials report major factors for the increased DUI arrests from 9,353 in 2010 to 27,125 in 2011 were the result of heightened presence of DUI Task Force and DUI Sobriety Checkpoints in Arizona. Drug DUI arrests were made in record numbers. Police believe that one of the reasons for the increased DUI drugs arrests was that many people are not aware that driving "impaired to the slightest degree" due to the influence of Marijuana, Medical Marijuana, Controlled substances; Prescription drugs, and even over- the-counter drugs.
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Arizona Drug DUI Laws A.R.S. § 28-1381 (A)(3)

"A.R.S. § 28-1381. Driving or actual physical control while under the influence
A. It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle in this state under any of the following circumstances...

1. While under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, a vapor releasing substance containing a toxic substance or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor releasing substances if the person is impaired to the slightest degree...
3. While there is any drug defined in section 13-3401 or its metabolite in the person's body"

Drug Dui offenses in absence of Aggravated Factors are charged as Class 1 Misdemeanors.

Additional examination, implications, and Drug DUI penalties information are discussed in a Press Release by the Law Office of James Novak.


Criminal Defense for Drug DUI charges in Maricopa County

You should always consult a Drug DUI, DUI, or criminal defense attorney if you face DUI charges as soon as possible. The penalties and consequences are harsh. You will need an experienced criminal attorney to defend your charges. There may be defenses you are not aware of that can be used to challenging your charges of DUI with Marijuana or other drugs. Your chances of getting a good resolution to your case will significantly increase with the retention of a good private practice DUI and criminal defense attorney.