As temperatures heat up around the Valley of the Sun, many people fire up their boats and recreational vehicles and head to popular area lakes like Lake Havasu, Bartlett Lake, Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Roosevelt Lake, and Lake Pleasant. But you should be careful, because similar to a DUI, OUI laws restrict how much alcohol you can have in your system while operating a recreational vehicles like watercraft.
What is OUI?
OUI, or Operating Under the Influence, is a serious crime in Arizona and the laws governing OUI mirror those of an Arizona DUI.
These include:
- Operating a motorized vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (or a combination of the two)
- Blood alcohol (BAC) level of .08 or higher
- Dangerous drugs or narcotics (or other illegal drugs) in your system
- In the case of a commercial watercraft, a blood alcohol (BAC) level of .04 or higher
What are the Penalties for OUI?
Penalties for OUI are similar to a DUI but may be harsher depending on the circumstances of the case.
The penalties for an OUI in Arizona are as follows:
- First Offense - labeled a misdemeanor, could include potential jail time and fines up to $2,500
- Second Offense - also a misdemeanor, this will lead to mandatory jail time and increase fines
- Aggravated DUI - labeled a felony, and the sentence can vary but will include jail time
Arizona OUI Attorney Charlie Naegle
If you or someone you know has recently been arrested for an Arizona OUI or an Arizona DUI, call Naegle & Crider Criminal Defense Attorneys right away at 480-378-9000. There is absolutely no cost and no obligation to review your case with Mesa DUI attorney Charlie Naegle and consultations are often available immediately or same day.