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New Arizona DUI Law Affects Uber and Lyft Drivers

Posted by Raymond Kimble | Oct 20, 2024 | 0 Comments

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Former Police Officer                                   

Former DUI Prosecutor

Twenty Years DUI Criminal & Defense  

The New Arizona Ride Share DUI Law:

Although the legal limit in Arizona is generally recognized to be .08%, certain classes of drivers are held to a stricter standard with respect to impaired driving.  For instance, anyone who possesses a commercial drivers license and is operating a commercial vehicle can be prosecuted for DUI if their alcohol concentration is at or above .04%.

Now, and a result of sponsored legislation from representatives in cities such as Scottsdale, Tempe and Phoenix where the use of ride share services is extremely popular, a brand new DUI law has gone into effect.  Under A.R.S. 28-1385A5, people who are operating a vehicle for hire cannot have an alcohol concentration above .04%.  This new law affects individuals who operate taxis, limousines and drivers who work for Uber and Lyft.

The reasons for the new ride share DUI law are pretty obvious.  Customers who rely upon taxis, Uber or Lyft expect that their safety will be prioritized while being  transported to their destination.  Many people are aware that the legal limit is .08%.  However, a majority of experts and scientists who have studied alcohol's effect on the human body and drunk driving agree that people are generally impaired to operate a motor vehicle at an alcohol concentration of .04%.  This is because reaction time and the ability to recognize and respond to emergencies is affected once an individuals's blood alcohol concentration approaches .04%.

Certainly, working for Uber, Lyft or any other ride share or transportation service enables people to earn income which may be important to their financial security.  However, these ride share companies will terminate or disqualify you from employment if you have been convicted of a DUI or any other serious traffic offense.  As a result, drivers engaged in the transportation business are well advised to completely abstain from alcohol consumption before and during any work shift.

If You Have Been Arrested For DUI:

Fortunately, there is help available for individuals  arrested for DUI while working as a taxi or limousine driver or during an Uber or Lyft shift.  If you have been arrested and charged with DUI under the new ride share DUI law, you should immediately consult with an experienced DUI Defense lawyer who can work to protect your rights, employment and ability to maintain income.  

The defenses applicable to an "ordinary," Extreme, or Super Extreme DUI must still be evaluated and pursued.  

Some Potential Defenses to a DUI Charge Include:

1. Lack of Driving or Actual Physical Control

2. No Reasonable Suspicion to Stop

3. No Probable Cause to Arrest

4. Improperly Administered Field Sobriety Tests (FST's)

5. Denial of the Right to Counsel

6. Violation of Miranda Warnings

7. Inaccuracy of the Breath or Blood Testing Device

8. Denial of Independent Test

Call (480) 833-8613 for Immediate Help with Your DUI Case

Undoubtedly, a DUI conviction will result in very severe penalties. If you are charged with DUI in Scottsdale or any city within the greater Phoenix area, you should immediately consult with an experienced DUI lawyer for assistance.  Attorney Raymond Kimble is a former police officer, DUI and felony prosecutor and has represented thousands of people charged with DUI in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix and other cities throughout Maricopa and Pinal Counties over the last twenty years. Ray Kimble  will have a clear understanding of all the circumstances in your case, along with the knowledge, skill and experience to protect your drivers license and achieve the best possible outcome for you.   

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About the Author

Raymond Kimble

About Raymond Kimble Attorney Raymond Kimble has built his law practice on the philosophy that each client deserves consistent individual attention. Ray realizes that being charged with a DUI or criminal offense is one of the most stressful events in a person's life. A DUI, felony or misdemeanor arrest can involve prison or jail time, probation, huge fines and a criminal record. Consequently, people who face DUI, felony or misdemeanor charges in Arizona are placed at risk of losing employment or being barred from future job opportunities. Ray works to lessen his client's anxiety by ensuring that they have direct access to him at all times and can reach him by e-mail, cell phone or text during normal business hours as well as nights or weekends if they have a pressing question or concern. Raymond Kimble is a dedicated DUI and criminal defense lawyer who has built a reputation of working tirelessly to protect his client's constitutional rights, their future and liberty. Ray strives to provide the strongest defense possible for each client despite the obstacles they may face. Put Experience to Work for You Raymond Kimble's twenty years of experience with respect to DUI, misdemeanor and felony criminal charges extends well beyond law school where he graduated within the top ten percent of his class. Ray was a police officer for ten years prior to becoming an attorney. As a police officer, Ray was trained in both DUI and criminal investigation and his personal involvement in criminal cases while a police officer certainly gives him a unique perspective when reviewing police reports, interviewing witnesses and challenging physical evidence. Ray often identifies legal issues or mistakes made by police during an investigation through his own personal experience as a patrol officer. In addition to his police experience, Raymond Kimble worked as a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office where he was responsible for prosecuting DUI, felony and misdemeanor crimes. During his tenure as a prosecutor, Ray conducted a number of jury trials and hearings related to the admissibility of evidence. Through his involvement with these cases as a prosecutor, Ray learned how to properly evaluate the strength and weaknesses of a DUI, misdemeanor or felony charge and became skilled in jury selection, argument, and the direct and cross examination of both civilian witnesses, experts and police officers. Of course, Raymond Kimble's expertise extends beyond his experience as a police officer and prosecutor. Specifically, Ray has successfully represented thousands of people during the last fifteen years throughout Maricopa County, Arizona. To best serve his Clients, Raymond remains current on changes in the law as well as police tactics by regularly attending seminars focused on defending criminal charges and reading the latest articles and books related to DUI and criminal defense. Ray also regularly writes criminal defense blogs and posts so that people faced with a criminal charge are better informed about their rights.

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