DUI laws

July 31, 2012

County Attorneys want halt on Arizona Medical Marijuana Law Implementation

On July 29, 2012 Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer denied the request to halt implementation of the Medical Marijuana Law voted in by Arizonans in November 2010.
Governor Brewer stated in a letter to the Yavapai County Attorney, that she is “duty-bound” from such halt because “the voters approved it”. Approximately 29,500 people have received their Medical Marijuana cards.
The letter signed by Arizona County Attorneys in 13 Counties, including Maricopa County, requested an immediate halt due to the following concerns:

• Arizona Medical Marijuana laws are preempted by the federal Controlled Substances Act (“CSA”);
• Imminent threats of seizures and closures of dispensaries in Arizona by the U.S. Attorney exist;
• State employees involved or who participate in conduct that is in violation of Federal offenses is compelling enough to take immediate action to halt of ADHS licensing.

Despite the fact that Governor Brewer did not support the passage of the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act (AMMA), she feels strongly she has a duty to support its’ existence which was voted into law by the people of Arizona. She stands on firm ground with her decision, and will move forward with implementation until and unless she is notified by the higher Court that State employees will be prosecuted by administration of the law within their duties.

Arizona Laws

As it stands now Medical Marijuana laws allow for, among other things the following provisions:

• No limit exists as to the amount an approved and licensed dispensary may grow;
• Qualified Patients with valid Medical Marijuana cards may purchase 2.5 ounces every two week.

Arizona Drug DUI and Marijuana DUI Laws

All medical marijuana users should understand that although they are qualified users, with valid cards, that do not prevent them from being arrested for Drug DUI.
Under A.R.S § 13-3401, any person “driving impaired to the slightest degree” due to the influence of alcohol, drugs, or Marijuana, they may still be charged with a DUI. The other fact to keep in mind is that Marijuana stays in the blood stream much longer than alcohol. So even in small amounts, it may show positive on DUI blood or chemical testing days or even weeks after it was smoked or ingested.

Consequences of DUI with Drugs or Marijuana DUI

If you are arrested in Arizona for a Drug DUI, or Marijuana DUI you should consult a criminal defense attorney to discuss your matter and defense options. Penalties for Marijuana DUI Convictions are as severe as those for Alcohol related DUI charges. They carry mandatory jail sentencing; suspension of driver’s license; probation; alcohol/drug education, counseling and screening; fines, fees, and assessment costs. You should retain proper legal representation for your charges. They will make sure your rights are protected; that you are treated fairly; and work to get the best resolution in your case. Favorable outcomes may include dismissal of charges, reduction of sentencing; avoidance of jail or other harsh penalties.

June 27, 2012

Aggravated DUI – DWI: Factors that raise a Misdemeanor DUI to a Felony

by James E. Novak, P.L.L.C.

“Aggravated DUI” charges are Felony DUI offenses. Misdemeanor DUI charges are elevated to Felonies when specified ‘aggravating” factors under law surround it. One of the most reasons a Misdemeanor DUI is charged as felony is due to repeat DUI offenses. A third DUI charge, with two existing DUI convictions in 84 months or 7 years, will result in Aggravated DUI charges.
Aggravating Factors

Aggravated Factors” are those circumstances that elevate a Misdemeanor DUI to a Felony DUI under ARS § 28-1383 and include:

• Two prior DUI Conviction from any state in any state within in 7 years;
• DUI while driving with a suspended or revoked license;
• Drunk driving or driving impaired due to alcohol or drugs, with a minor, age 15 or under, in the vehicle;.
• DUI with accident that causes serious bodily harm to another person;
• DUI manslaughter – When the DUI and Auto accident results in a fatality of another
Felony DUI Penalties for 3rd DUI charge with two conviction in 7 years

Felony DUI charges are a class 4 felony. These convictions call for the following penalties under ARS 28 § 1383:

• 4 months in prison for 3rd DUI conviction/ months in prison for subsequent;
• Fine at least $750
• Assessment fees $3250.00
• Abatement fees
• Evaluation Costs
• Drug or Alcohol Treatment & Counseling Costs
• Probation and associated fees
• Driving Privileges may be revoked for up to 3 years
• Mandatory Court ordered Ignition Interlock Device (IID) 3 added to your vehicle at your expense, following reinstatement of license
• Court ordered drug or alcohol rehab or counseling treatment, and their costs
• Mandatory Community Service
• Criminal Record to include a Felony
• Restitution if an accident or injury was involved
• Other penalties may be apply if the Court deems necessary and appropriate
DUI defense attorney Tempe AZ
If you face Tempe DUI charges, you should consult a qualified criminal defense attorney regarding your matter. They will provide you with information concerning your charges, as well as your defense options. Arizona has harsh penalties for DUI charges. It is important that you understand the consequences before “pleading guilty” without proper legal representation. If you wish to invoke your right to retain an attorney on your behalf, you should “Plead Not Guilty” at your Arraignment. If you are not being represented, you must appear for your Arraignment. Failure to appear will result in a bench warrant for Arrest. If you hire legal counsel, they will advise you further regarding the proceedings. If retained your attorney will protect your rights, defend your charges, and work to get the best possible outcome in your case.

May 24, 2012

DUI and Binge Drinking: The number one cause of alcohol poisoning and drunk driving.

by James E. Novak, P.L.L.C.

According to a 2012 report by Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Binge drinking was responsible for 80,000 annual deaths. CDC reported that 1 in 6 adults in the USA engaged in it. Other studies reported that 1 in 4 of those were Underage 21 drinkers. Binge drinking is also the number one cause of DUI -DWI. But drunk driving is not the only adverse consequence of it. Binge drinking can result in serious medical consequences and result in death.

Binge Drinking Defined:

The Medical community defines “Binge drinking” as consuming 4 to 5 alcoholic beverages in a very short period of time. It is usually the result of a person drinking “shots” in a row of alcohol. This includes 12 ounce bottle or can of beer; 3 to 5 ounces of wine; 1 to 1.5 oz. of 80-86 proof distilled liquor. It results when any or any combination of these are consumed within a short time span, such as within an hour or even a few hours.
Alcohol Poisoning

Alcohol poisoning is the result of the body’s inability to metabolize a large quantity of liquor. Alcohol is processed by the body’s liver. It takes about one hour for the body to process it, and in some cases, two hours. So the body is still trying to metabolize liquor well after a person has their last drink. Other factors that contribute to metabolic speed include food consumed; a person’s height and weight; age; tolerance level; medical conditions, and drugs. It may cause seizures, hypothermia; vomiting; unconsciousness; dizziness and confusion; and even death. It can happen to someone drinking for the first time; occasionally; or frequently. Long term binge drinking may cause liver damage, kidney failure, harm memory, and cause other chronic and severe illnesses.
DUI – DWI Laws and Binge Drinking: Quick Facts
Binge drinking is highly prevalent among under Underage 21 drinkers. However, adults often engage in it as well, particularly around holidays, weekends, and other celebrations where liquor is served. If you plan to drive after drinking, in the least you should be aware of the following:

1) It is against the law to drive if you are “impaired to the slightest degree” due to drugs or alcohol (A.R.S. § 28-1381 A. (1);

2) It is against the law to drive with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater(A.R.S. § 28-1381 A. (2);
3) Alcohol levels continue to rise as well after a person has their last drink and may peak when you get behind the wheel of a car, or while driving;
4) Drinking 4 to 5 shots in a row could result in life threatening alcohol poisoning as well as DUI
.
5) Drinking one alcoholic beverage per hour, will reduce your chance of getting alcohol poisoning. However, it may not avoid your chances of being arrested for DUI.
DUI lawyer Tempe AZ

If you are arrested for DUI you should contact a DUI attorney to discuss your matter and defense options. Arizona penalties for DUI convictions are harsh. There may be defenses you are not aware of to help you get a favorable outcome in your case.

May 9, 2012

DUI Charges: The effects of the Supreme Court’s decision in “Arizona v. Zaragoza” made it easier for persons to be found guilty of DUI even if they were not driving.

by James E. Novak, P.L.L.C.

“Actual Physical Control of a Vehicle” Tempe AZ

In Arizona, under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and A.R.S. § 28-1382 a person a person may be charged with a DUI if they are impaired due to alcohol or drugs, and in “Actual Physical Control of a Vehicle (APC)”. A Supreme Court decision Arizona v. Zaragoza actually made it easier to charged persons who are not actually driving with a DUI. It held that in determining if a person is in APC, a totality of circumstance supported by evidence of whether a person is currently or imminently in control of a vehicle; and whether or not that control presented a real danger to themselves or others. The Supreme Court stated that although the State of Arizona did not define APC, it could be considered on a case’s own merits based on the totality of certain factors.

AZ DUI Laws: Determining Factors for Actual Physical Control of a Vehicle

Under A.R.S. § 28-1381 and A.R.S. § 28-1382: It is a violation of the law for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired, due intoxicating alcohol or drugs. Since AZ DUI Laws do not define this standard, alternative jury instructions were provided by the court in Arizona v. Zaragoza. The jury used these guidelines to conclude their verdict. These guidelines are currently being used. (List not all inclusive):

• Whether or not the vehicle was running;
• Whether or not the key was in the ignition;
• Whether or not the ignition was turned on;
• Where the key to the ignition was located;
• Where the driver was found in the vehicle by police;
• What position the driver was found in;
• Conscious state of the person, awake or sleeping;
• Whether or not the vehicle’s headlights were on;
• Where the vehicle was found or stopped;
• Location of the vehicle;
• Whether it appeared that the driver pulled over voluntarily or not;
• Day or night, and time the person was found;
• Climate and Weather conditions;
• Whether the vehicle’s heat or air conditioner was running; Windows down or up;
• Any other reasonable explanation that can be supported by the evidence for a reason the driver was found under the circumstances.

DUI Lawyer Tempe AZ

The penalties in Arizona are a harsh as the DUI laws are strict. All DUI convictions currently result in jail terms, ignition interlock devices on vehicles, alcohol/drug counseling and treatment. If you or someone you know were arrested for DUI charges, you should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your case, and options for defense. There may be defenses you are not aware of that if used, may help you get a favorable outcome in your case; avoid jail time; and help you get your driving privileges reinstated.