Arizona Govenor Vetoed Proposed New Arizona DUI Laws

April 29, 2008 - Govenor Janet Napolitano vetoed House Bill 2395, which proposed numerous changes to Arizona's DUI and boating under the influence laws. The bill would have reduced to 6 from 12 months the length of time first-time offenders must use a breath-test device, or ignition interlock, after a DUI conviction. Individuals would have been eligible for the reduced penalty only after completing alcohol or drug treatment. In a letter that accompanied her veto, Napolitano wrote that she believes the devices discourage drunken driving. She said it's "premature" to change the existing law "before we have had a chance to examine its effects."
The bill also would have toughened penalties for operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol. It would have immediately suspended the license of any motorist suspected of causing a fatal accident while intoxicated. And it would have resolved a sentencing discrepancy between two DUI laws already in effect.

The information in this blog is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Please contact us to obtain legal advice pertaining to your situation.

Arizona Legislature Passes a Comprehensive Arizona DUI Bill

House Bill 2395, which now heads to Gov. Janet Napolitano, passed the House on a 35-15 vote, with 10 not voting. Days earlier, it won overwhelming support from the Senate. The bill calls for stiffer penalties for operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol. A provision in the bill would mandate a 10 day jail sentence. The bill would require the suspension of the driver's license of anyone who causes a fatal accident while intoxicated. It also would fix a conflict between two laws enacted last year penalizing those who are caught driving while extremely drunk. The bill spells out that a motorist with a blood-alcohol content of 0.15 percent or above would have to serve 30 days in jail. The bill also reduces the amount of time first-time DUI offenders will be required to use a breath-test device, known as ignition interlock, before getting behind the wheel from 12 to 6 months if they complete an alcohol-treatment program and do not have any breath-test violations.

The information in this blog is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Please contact us to obtain legal advice pertaining to your situation.