Worst States in Which to Get a DUI
Worst States in Which to Get a DUI
In the United States, significant strides have been made to reduce the incidents of drunk driving dramatically. Groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have been very vigilant in educating and curbing dangerous driving habits. However, the problem is far from solved.Nearly 11,000 people died in drunk-driving car crashes (including more than 200 children aged below 14), and this was in 2017 alone. In 2015, over 10,000 alcohol-related deaths accounted for at least a third of all traffic-related deaths. In line with this, certain states have imposed harsher penalties for DUI law violators. If you get a DUI in the following states, consider it ideal to find the best DUI defense attorney you can find.ArizonaThe Grand Canyon State is known for many things: hiking, sunshine, deserts, and the worst state to get a DUI in. Like most states, Arizona's DUI laws prohibit all motorists from driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more.Arizona's DUI laws also prohibit motorists from driving even if they are impaired "to the slightest degree." It is worth noting that their impaired "to the slightest degree" distinction is stricter than that of other states.Arizona also has a "not-a-drop" DUI law in place for all motorists under 21 years of age. This "not-a-drop" law prohibits anyone below 21 from driving with any alcohol in their system. If you think the "not a drop law" is harsh, consider this: it is possible to get a DUI there without actually driving! In other words, if you are "in physical control" of a car while impaired, you can be cited for DUI. Other states like California require actual vehicle movement. Arizona's justification for the law? It helps stop impaired driving before it even starts.Arizona is also known for being tough on first-time DUI offenders. It was the first state to require a mandatory interlock device policy for first-time violators. Arizona also has mandatory jail time and the highest fine for first-time offenders.OhioThe Buckeye State is known for its extensive driver's license suspensions for DUI violators. If you are convicted of DUI in Ohio, you can lose your driver's license for three years. This is a stark contrast to other states like South Dakota, Rhode Island, New Jersey, South Carolina, Kentucky, Montana, and Michigan that do not mandate driver's license suspension.
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About Michelle White
Michelle White is currently the Content Marketing Strategist for Arizona DUI Team. Aside from spreading awareness on DUI and vehicular-related offenses, she enjoys reading and hiking with her family and friends.