DUI and Arizona laws, like drugs, drinking and driving, don’t mix. Arizona law, specifically, A.R.S. 28-1381(A)(1) states, (and this is a little bit paraphrased):
It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while that person is 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.
Perhaps you are familiar with the saying about being “a little bit pregnant” – for the purposes of this article, we are going to examine what it means to be driving while a “little bit impaired”. Like “a little bit pregnant” there is no such thing. You either are or you’re not. And in Arizona, “impaired” means even to the slightest degree.
As far as Arizona law enforcement is concerned, driving impaired means, at minimum, a DUI charge is forthcoming. A little bit impaired, intoxicated, buzzed, stoned, tipsy… no matter what you might call it, the law has a zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The rest is all just semantics.
“A little bit pregnant” is still pregnant. “Impaired to the slightest degree” can get you thrown in jail.
Of course, nothing in this blog should be taken as legal advice. For that, you should contact an attorney; preferably one with experience in the area in which you are seeking counsel. Please remember, a DUI offense is not the occasion to try to talk yourself out of trouble. If anything, it’s time to show at least a little bit of common sense. I believe you can benefit if you find yourself in a situation like this by seeking assistance from an experienced DUI defense attorney at Zachary Law Group. We have our own unique approach to helping clients, and finding legal solutions that work, both inside and outside the courtroom. We’ll “Zach-It!” and that could make a great deal of difference in the outcome of your case. Contact us today at 1-855-Zach-law.
