As the cool temperatures and rain clouds drift away, the sun and rising temperatures are right on time for Spring Break. Spring Break is a chance to venture to sunny destinations, and a perfect time to participate in outdoor actives. Often, these fun outdoor actives also include the consumption of alcohol.
It is important to understand the legal consequences and penalties for DUIs, which are the same if you are driving a car or operating a boat, jet-ski or other water craft on the lakes, rivers and waterways in Arizona. If you are caught operating a boat while intoxicated, known as an OUI, you can expect the same consequences as getting a DUI.
In Arizona, you can be charged with a DUI/DWI/OUI whether you’re on the highway, a street, private property or water. All that is required is that you be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol or drugs. Even if you are parked, as long as you have the keys and can reach the steering wheel, you can be charged with a DUI/DWI/OUI.
Arizona is known for some of the harshest DUI and OUI laws in the country, and these cases are among the most aggressively prosecuted in the State. If convicted, you are likely facing loss of your driver’s license, fines, and jail time. Arizona requires a mandatory jail time ranging from 24 hours up to 45 days, as well as fines ranging from $1,800 to over $8,000 upon conviction.
With Spring Break around the corner the best policy is to have a designated driver or boater, but if you find yourself in a situation in which you have been stopped by law enforcement officials, our experienced Scottsdale DUI Lawyers can help you. Contact Owens & Perkins at (480) 630-2464 for a consultation.
Owens & Perkins received sixth place for Ranking Arizona: The Best of Arizona Business 2014 for Family Law Attorneys
