Sometimes individuals are charged in Arizona with “DUI in the slightest”. DUI in the slightest can mean many things. First, a DUI is always charged one of two ways. The first way is for having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. The second is for being “impaired to the slightest degree”. Both charges carry the same mandatory minimum punishments.
“Impaired to the slightest” can mean many things, but basically the prosecutor must show only that you were impaired in some way, shape or form. They may do this if they can:
- Get expert testimony that if an individual has over a .08 BAC, that individual is impaired to drive.
- Describe your driving behavior (swerve, weave, drove too slow, etc.).
- Describe your demeanor and reactions in the car.
- Describe what you did when you parked or exited the car.
- Describe your speech.
- Show how you performed on the field sobriety tests.
A lot of times officers confuse impairment with other things such as injury, medical problems, and lack of sleep. If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona you should not fight it alone. Retain a DUI defense attorney who understands DUI defense and how to protect your rights. Contact Charlie Naegle, for a free DUI consultation where you will go over the facts of your Arizona DUI case. Call Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys now at (480) 418-0776 or use the consultation request form below to request a free, anytime, anywhere consultation.