If you’ve been arrested for DUI offense in Arizona, and have taken a blood or breathalyzer test, and your results ended up showing you as over the legal limit, higher than .08%, or you have declined to submit to these tests, you will most likely be involved with two seperate court cases.
- The Criminal Case
- A Civil Case against the Department of Motor Vehicles as to whether your license will be suspended.
The two court cases are independent of each other; your verdict in one will not affect your other. It’s possible to win one and lose one, or win or lose both. Handling the hearing for your drivers license is very important.
The Criminal Court Case
Your arrest and subsequent booking begins the process of your criminal court case. The result of this, whether it be a guilty plea, or a verdict after a judge or jury trial, could result in jail time, fees, community service, probation, and a criminal record.
The Civil Case
The civil case happens at an administrative hearing office at the Motor Vehicles bureau. The case is only to determine a suspension of your driver’s license, or if your license is not issued in Arizona, your privilege to drive in Arizona.
The police office who arrests you will give you a “Notice of Suspension”. If you decline to take a chemical test during your arrest, your license or privledge will be suspended for 12 months. If you did take the test and were over the .08% limit within 2 hours of driving, you’ll get a 90 day license suspension notice.