A DUI conviction in Arizona can lead to high fines, jail time, and a license revocation. But the Payson Roundup reports that a DUI conviction can now lead to even further penalties; if there's a drunk-driving related accident in the city of Payson.
Earlier this month, the Payson Town Council unanimously approved an ordinance that will allow the town to charge impaired drivers for the emergency crews that respond to an accident they cause. For a fire truck, charges include $450 for the first hour and $250 for each additional hour. For an ambulance, the city will impose a $400 fine, and a $500 fine for a ladder company. So if an impaired driver causes a crash, he or she is looking at an extra $1000 in fines.
This new ordinance could be worrisome for local Arizona DUI attorneys because there seems to be a gray area when it comes to determining which people will be charged with these fines. The new law might not say if all DUI offenders will have to pay these fines, or if DUI suspects will be subjected to the fines before they are convicted.
And while an Arizona DUI attorney may challenge such a law, many community members agree that drunk driving has become a serious problem in the town of Payson and all over the United States. Around the nation, drunk drivers cause about 14,000 fatal accidents a year. In the town of Payson, council members hope that higher fines and the responsibility of paying for emergency crews will discourage people from driving under the influence.
If you have questions about DUI penalties, consulting an Arizona DUI attorney may be helpful.
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