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The first thing you need to do after DWI in Arizona is install an interlock device in your vehicle. All the costs associated with installation will be borne by you because you are at fault for the DWI. The state of Arizona is working overtime to come up with stricter rules and regulations so that cases of DWI will continue to decrease. There are a number of things that you need to be aware of and schedule after DWI in Arizona. The following is a list of things you need to know and do:
Civil and Criminal Proceedings - When arrested for DWI in Arizona, you face civil and criminal proceedings. Since these two proceedings have no connection to each other, you can win your civil case but lose the criminal one, lose both or win both. The criminal proceedings deal with evaluation, probation, fines and jail time.
Role of the Officer - If you are suspected of a DWI in the state of Arizona, the officer can request urine, blood and breathalyzer tests. You are given the legal right to refuse these tests but, if you do so, there is a strong possibility that your driving license is going to be automatically suspended for a period of one year. If you give them a hard time, the officer can easily get a search warrant for the tests anyway.
If the tests come to the conclusion that your Blood Alcohol Concentration level was .08% or more, your license will be seized on the spot. If you are not a resident of Arizona, the officer cannot seize your driving license.
Requesting a Hearing - To request a hearing in the state of Arizona, you need to write directly to the Motor Vehicles Department. For the hearing, you need to submit the pink copy of your driving license suspension form. Make sure that you fill out all the details correctly and send it directly to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
If you are found guilty in the criminal case, you will be punished on the basis of Arizona DWI sentencing guidelines. After getting the verdict notification, the state will suspend your driving license for at least three months. However, if it is your first DWI offense and you have given full cooperation to the officer in conducting various tests, your driving license may not be suspended.
Arraignment - the arraignment is basically a ticket date, about one to two months after your arrest. You do not need to appear in the court if you are not on bond and have an attorney. Talk to an attorney in order to understand arraignment.
Pre-trial Conference - It is the responsibility of your attorney to discuss your case with the district attorney and come up with the best possible negotiating deal. The pre-trial conference will take place one month after arraignment. Normally, you need to participate in three or four pre trial hearings.
Suppression Hearing - If your legal rights have been violated, the court can suppress some of the evidence against you. For that to happen, your attorney needs to file the proper motions. The suppression hearing will take place three months after the initial pre-trial conference.
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