Arizona’s warm weather and absolutely stunning natural beauty make it a popular place to visit. In 2023 alone, 45.7 million people visited our fair state. Yet what many tourists may not realize is just how strict Arizona’s DUI laws are – and that you can be punished for driving under the influence regardless of whether you are a resident.
An out-of-state DUI in Arizona is treated almost exactly like a DUI for a resident would be. You will be charged in Arizona and potentially face jail time and other consequences, including a possible driver’s license suspension in your home state. If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona while visiting, you should contact a criminal defense attorney for a free consultation.
Matthew Lopez Law represents people who have been charged with crimes in Arizona, including both tourists and locals. Whether you live down the street from our law offices or across the country, we will fight to protect your rights and get you the best possible outcome. To learn more or to talk to an Arizona DUI defense lawyer, contact our law firm today.
What Happens After You Get an Arizona DUI When Visiting from Out-of-State?
When you operate a vehicle in another state, you are required to abide by that state’s traffic laws. This includes laws related to driving under the influence (DUI). Arizona has particularly strict DUI laws, where you can be charged with a crime for operating a motor vehicle while being impaired to the slightest degree by drugs and/or alcohol.
So, what happens if you are arrested for DUI when visiting from out of state? You will be treated just as any other defendant in a DUI case would be. You’ll be taken into custody, and your driver’s license will likely be confiscated. Typically, you will be able to post bail after you are processed.
After you are released from custody, you will have multiple court hearings. Even if you go back to your home state, you will still be required to attend these hearings, although it may be possible to appear telephonically or via video conference. If you aren’t permitted to appear virtually, then you may need to plan for time off and the expense of travel back to Arizona for court.
It is important to understand that you will face the same consequences as an Arizonan would if you are convicted of a DUI in our state. This includes a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail for a first offense, plus fines of about $1,500. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) in your vehicle (even though you don’t live in Arizona).
There is also a very strong likelihood that your home state will suspend your driver’s license. Most states are part of the Interstate Driver’s License Compact (IDLC). This means that Arizona will share information about your arrest and conviction with your home state, and that your home state will impose its own penalties (such as a driver’s license suspension and points on your license) as a result. An out-of-state DUI will typically also be treated as a prior offense in your home state if you get a DUI in the future.
The only states that are not part of the IDLC are Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. That doesn’t mean that if you live in one of these states, you won’t face any additional consequences. Your home state will probably still learn about your DUI conviction. They may still choose to impose their own consequences for the DUI.
Ultimately, just because you don’t live in Arizona doesn’t mean that you’ll get away with a DUI. Instead, you will face the same penalties as an Arizona driver would – except that you’ll have the additional burden of dealing with it from another state, plus the possibility of consequences in two states. If you find yourself in this situation, reach out to our law offices to schedule a free consultation with an Arizona DUI defense lawyer.
It is possible to defend against out-of-state DUI charges. For many court appearances, your attorney can appear on your behalf. They can also put together a strong defense and potentially get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. If you are visiting Arizona and are charged with an out-of-state DUI, don’t be fooled into thinking that you have to just take a plea deal. You can – and should – fight back against the charges with the help of our Arizona DUI attorneys.
Aggressive Legal Representation for Arizona DUIs
Nothing will ruin a vacation or a work trip faster than being charged with a DUI. If you don’t live here, you might not realize how harsh our DUI laws and penalties are. Fortunately, it is possible to defend yourself against an out-of-state DUI charge.
At Matthew Lopez Law, we represent both Arizona residents and visitors from other states who have been charged with DUIs. We know that it can be particularly scary to get charged with a crime when you aren’t on your home turf. Our law firm can give you peace of mind, knowing that we’ll handle all court appearances, offer you legal advice on how to resolve your case, and develop a strong defense to the charges against you. To learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation with an Arizona DUI defense lawyer, call our law offices at 480-608-9998 or fill out our online contact form.