If you’ve recently been accused of a DUI in Arizona and are combing the internet for answers, you’ll likely, at some point, end up the ADOT Driver Improvement website. (www.azdot.gov/motor-vehicles/driver-services/driver-improvement/dui) Even though this is the Arizona Department of Transportation’s official website, be wary of the information you find there. For instance, ADOT states:
“If you are stopped for driving under the influence and a test shows that you have an alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more (0.04 in a commercial vehicle requiring a commercial driver license), or if a blood alcohol or drug test result is not available, you will lose your driving privilege on the spot. In addition you will be required to complete alcohol or drug screening before you can obtain a restricted permit or reinstate your driving privilege.”
Seems like reliable information, right? Be careful, it’s only partly correct. You see, if you are stopped for driving under the influence (DUI), you will NOT lose your driving privilege “on the spot.” It’s true that the law enforcement officer will likely take possession of your physical license, but your privilege to drive is not immediately affected. Indeed, so long as a Hearing Request is made with the ADOT Executive Hearing Office within 15 days of your contact with law enforcement, you’ll likely retain your privilege to drive for at least the following 4 to 6 weeks. So where do you turn when the even information that your government is putting out there is incorrect? You need to immediately contact an attorney experienced in dealing with the Arizona Department of Transportation. If you’re in need of help, call the experienced attorneys at Gallagher & Kennedy to assist you. A Gallagher & Kennedy criminal law attorney can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (602) 510-9999.