A new Arizona DUI law that has been proposed to the state legislature might put tougher restraints on those who violate the state's already harsh ignition interlock laws.
DUIAttorney.com reports that the passage of Arizona Senate Bill 1069 would mandate a 4 month minimum jail sentence for repeat DUI offenders who refuse to submit to a blood-alcohol test when they are required to have an ignition interlock device installed on their car. The bill was originally proposed by Republican Senator Linda Gray from Phoenix.
Note that the law only applies to those who are required by the state to have an ignition interlock device installed in their car. Yet some Arizona DUI attorneys anticipate that Arizona Senate Bill 1069 could cause some legal problems and could even open up doors for potential abuses.
DUIAttorney.com reports that Arizona DUI attorney Stewart Bergman believes that a law like this can put too much power in the hands of an Arizona officer.
"There are many cases where it's not so clear that a person is refusing to take a test. There are medical reasons that might look like the person is not cooperating when they are, in reality, physically incapable of providing a sample. Other people just don't understand their rights," DUI attorney Bergman says.
Essentially, those who refuse to go through with a blood-alcohol test when they're suspected of driving under the influence will have a tough legal battle if they want to avoid spending four months in jail. To view the full text of Senate Bill 1069, click here.
Related Resources:
- Rights in the Criminal Justice System (FindLaw)
- Defenses to Drunk Driving (FindLaw)
- Arizona DUI attorney directory (FindLaw)
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