Being arrested and charged with an Arizona DUI offense is a stressful, frustrating, and frightening experience. Indeed, depending on the charge, someone may be facing fines, license suspension, and time in jail. It may be tempting for some to try to get the case over with as soon as possible. However, before someone accepts the first offer that comes across the table from the prosecution, it is important that someone facing an Arizona DUI case considers the potential collateral consequences of having a conviction on their record.
For those who already have been convicted of a crime, they are likely already aware of the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. For those without experience in the criminal justice system, the collateral consequences of a conviction can be far worse than those prescribed by law.
What Are Collateral Consequences?
Collateral consequences are the additional penalties that stem from a criminal conviction other than probation, fines, or time spent in jail or prison. Some draw a line between the state-mandated collateral consequences and the social consequences. However, both are equally as real and carry the same potential to change a person’s life.
For example, in addition to fines, probation, and potential jail time, someone who is convicted of an Arizona DUI offense can have their license suspended for up to a year. Once their license is restored, they are required to maintain an ignition-interlock system on their vehicle for up to 18 months. An ignition-interlock system is a device that mounts on to the dashboard of a vehicle and requires a driver blow into a tube to ensure that they have not consumed alcohol before the car will start.
Depending on a person’s specific situation, a license suspension may result in their inability to get to work. Even if the court grants a restricted license for part of the suspension period, that person may not be able to maintain the flexible schedule required by some employers. In addition, some state-issued licenses are unavailable to those with a DUI conviction. For example, commercial drivers and school bus drivers can have their licenses denied or revoked after being convicted of an Arizona DUI.
In some situations, employers may take action against an employee who was convicted of an Arizona DUI. For example, Arizona Cardinals General Manager, Steve Keim, was recently charged and convicted of a DUI offense in Chandler. According to a recent news report, Mr. Keim pleaded guilty shortly after his arrest and, on top of the state-mandated penalties involved, he was fined $200,000 and suspended for five weeks.
Have You Been Arrested for an Arizona DUI?
If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Arizona, you should take immediate action to make sure you understand what effect the arrest and conviction could have on your future. Attorney James E. Novak has been handling Arizona DUI cases for almost two decades and has a deep knowledge of Arizona DUI law. He understands the effects that a potential conviction can have on his clients’ lives, and does everything he can to help minimize or eliminate those effects through his zealous advocacy. To learn more, call 480-413-1499 to schedule a free consultation today.
Additional Resources:
Other Articles of Interest from The Law Office of James Novak’s Phoenix DUI Blog:
Arizona Appellate Court Upholds DUI Conviction Over Defendant’s Operation Challenge, Phoenix DUI Law Blog, July 19, 2018
Nearly 300 DUI Arrests Were Made in Arizona over 4th of July Weekend, Phoenix DUI Law Blog, July 9, 2018