Being cited for any DUI offense while there is a child under the age of 15 in the car is considered a class 6 felony and punishable by jail time and other harsh penalties. Depending on the BAC level recorded at the time of the arrest, minimum jail time is between one and 90 days; the maximum jail sentence is 2 years for any child endangerment charge.
If you are found to be operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and you have a child passenger with you in the car, you will face an aggravated DUI charge under Arizona law. What would have likely been a misdemeanor offense is now a felony that could land you in jail, cost you thousands in fines and result in other severe and significant penalties.
With so much on the line, it is important that you have an experienced DUI defense lawyer representing you at all times. At Rosenstein Law Group, our DUI defense attorneys dedicate our practice to representing people across Arizona including Fountain Hills who are facing charges for serious drunk driving offenses.
An aggravated DUI charge with a child in the car requires a significant license suspension and two years mandatory ignition interlock device installment. Alcohol counseling, community service, a minimum fine of $4,600, and probation of up to five years are included in the sentence of a child endangerment conviction.
If you are the parent of the child in the car and you were caught driving under the influence, you may be subject to additional sanctions from child protective services. The level of potential sanctions will depend on the number of prior convictions and other factors. Although this charge is class 6, child endangerment is still a felony and can never be expunged or set aside from your criminal record.
A felony conviction will have a devastating affect not only on your life and future, but also your child’s life and your family. Therefore, you should do everything you can to protect your family from that kind of damage and you can begin by contacting a DUI attorney from Rosenstein Law Group.
If you were arrested for DUI and there was a child passenger present, contact our office today and schedule a free case evaluation with a member of our skilled legal team. Call us at 480-248-7666 or contact us via email to discuss your case with an experienced Fountain Hills, Arizona DUI attorney.