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Impaired to the Slightest Degree

Impaired to the Slightest Degree in Arizona

While many people assume that a blood alcohol content of .08% signals the absolute legal limit, in Arizona, you can receive a DUI if you drive with a BAC below the .08% mark. According to Arizona Statute § 28.1381, a BAC below .08% can still result in a charge of driving under the influence (DUI) in some circumstances. Under this law, if you are “impaired to the slightest degree” while operating or having control of a vehicle, you can be charged with a Class 1 Misdemeanor DUI. Our Phoenix DUI attorneys specialize in impaired to the slightest degree cases, and can help. Contact the criminal defense attorney in Phoenix at Stewart Law Group today.

How is “impaired to the slightest degree” measured?

The phrasing of “impaired to the slightest degree” makes Phoenix, Arizona DUI laws the toughest in the country. Additionally, since it is up to each individual officer to interpret “impaired to the slightest degree,” this charge can be used to issue a DUI for a wide range of cases.

If you have recently received a DUI charge, the first thing on your citation is probably a charge for “Impaired to the Slightest Degree.” This charge is unique to Arizona law, and makes it so the prosecution does not need to have your blood alcohol content (BAC) results to charge you with a DUI. If you do take a BAC test with results under the .08% mark, the officer can still issue a charge of driving under the influence. Under this law, the officer only needs to prove that you were “impaired to the slightest degree,” in other words, if you appear buzzed or tipsy, the officer can argue you were impaired enough to be guilty of a DUI, despite having a below .08% BAC.

How is driving under the influence determined without a BAC test?

The officer can find many ways to charge you with being “impaired to the slightest degree.” Field sobriety tests, swaying when exiting the vehicle, slurred speech, or glassy eyes are all ways to issue a DUI for being “impaired to the slightest degree.” There are many incriminating activities that can be used in the prosecution’s case for a DUI charge, but often these tests are not done properly or the evidence is weak. You need an experienced attorney to decipher any mistakes in the officer’s report, and use that information to defend your rights.

Impaired to the Slightest Degree DUI Attorney in Phoenix

When you face a DUI charge in Arizona, you often face two charges: one for being “impaired to the slightest degree” and another for the specific BAC-related charge. Impaired to the slightest degree DUI attorney Scott Stewart at Stewart Law Group is prepared to fight for your rights and defend you against these charges, both in criminal court and the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.

Arizona Statute § 28.1381 makes it clear the state wants to set a tough precedent that deters people from driving while intoxicated, but Scott Stewart is a trained defense attorney who understands even with this strict law, there are still strategies for minimizing and eliminating DUI charges.

Free case evaluation with Phoenix DUI Lawyer

Contact our offices to find out more about how we can help you protect your rights after a charge of driving under the influence. Because of Scott Stewart’s experience working as a prosecution attorney, he understands how Arizona Statute § 28.1381 is used in court by the other side. He will work with you to find the weakest case points and strategize the best defense. The Arizona Statute § 28.1381 might be the toughest in the country, but we, at the Stewart Law Group, are here to help. Call 602-562-5000, fill out our online contact form to set up a FREE case evaluation to find out how.

Our experienced legal team has offices conveniently located in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Tempe & Gilbert.

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