Before you begin looking for an Arizona DWI attorney, it is important to first understand the different charges you could be facing. Typically, the term “DWI” refers to someone who is “driving while intoxicated,” while the term “DUI” refers to someone who is “driving under the influence.” In some states, there are different laws surrounding these two drunk driving terms, but in Arizona, DUI and DWI mean the same thing.

According to state law, you’re officially guilty of drinking and driving and should find a DUI/DWI lawyer if your BAC is 0.08% or higher. Your BAC is a measure of the alcohol in your bloodstream, and this can be measured through a blood or urine sample or can be measured through a Breathalyzer test. In Arizona, you aren’t allowed to refuse a chemical test – doing so means that you’re automatically given a license suspension and the case will go to trial. However, you can refuse roadside test, so if an officer pulls you over and asks you to walk the line, recite the alphabet, or anything else, you can say no.

Keep in mind that every person metabolizes alcohol in a different way. Typically you can have one drink (one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot of liquor) every hour and maintain a healthy BAC. However, this changes depending on how much you weigh, whether you are male or female, and how much you’ve had to eat in the past few hours. Be on the safe side – if you’re going to drive, don’t drink at all. Even if you don’t feel drunk, your BAC may still be at DUI levels.