There are several driving behaviors that you might attribute to the make and model of the driver’s vehicle. For example, you might have had several experiences with oversized trucks switching lanes with disregard for human life, or older-model vehicles with dents and duct tape holding pieces together driving so far below the speed limit to the point that it creates a hazard for other drivers. But when you think of stereotypes based on the type of vehicle being driven, driving under the influence might not come to mind. However, there are some types of vehicles that have much higher DUI rates than the national average. In 2021, the average rate of DUIcitations was about 20 per 1,000 drivers. All of the vehicle models on the top 10 list at least double that rate, with 40 or more DUI citations per 1,000 drivers. Read on to learn more about the vehicle makes and models with the most DUI arrests. If you’re seeking skilled DUI defense representation in Arizona, contact My AZ Lawyers for your free consultation at 480-833-8000.
The Top 10 Vehicle Models For DUI Arrests
GMC C1500: This is a type of Chevrolet truck that was manufactured from 1960 to 2002. Therefore, if you see a GMC C1500 on the road, it is at least 22 years old. However, this vintage truck can still end up costing more than a newer model compact sedan.
Chevrolet Astro: The Astro is a minivan manufactured by Chevrolet from 1985 to 2005. As it has been nearly two decades since it stopped production, the Astro is an affordable vehicle option for families seeking a used minivan.
Chevrolet Caprice: This is a full-sized vehicle manufactured by Chevrolet from 1965 to 1996. Some of the older versions of the Caprice are considered classic vehicles and can be surprisingly costly.
Mazda Mazda3: This is a compact car which, unlike the vehicles above it on the list, is still in production. It was first introduced in 2003 as a 2004 vehicle model. A new Mazda Mazda3 costs slightly north of $20,000.
Acura Integra: This vehicle is meant to be a sportier derivative of the Honda Civic. It was produced from 1985 to 2006, and then reintroduced to the market in 2021.
BMW 2-Series: This vehicle, which is still in production, is the most expensive so far on the DUI list. BMW has a reputation for luxurious vehicles with aggressive and reckless drivers.
Chrysler Concorde: This is a full-size sedan that was in production from 1992 until 2004.
Jaguar S-Type: This mid-size sedan features rounded lines to give the vehicle a more retro feel. Its final year of production was 2008.
Audi A4 allroad: This is a luxury station wagon designed to look and feel like an SUV. It is still in production today, with new models starting at approximately $75,000- more than many people’s annual salaries.
BMW 7-Series: This is the second BMW model on the DUI list. It is a full-size luxury sedan that has been manufactured and sold since 1977. It may also be the most expensive vehicle on the list- a new model will set the buyer back approximately $130,000. You would think that someone who can afford a six-figure vehicle would be able to afford an Uber, but drivers of this vehicle are arrested for DUI at rates about twice as high as average.
As you can see, many of the vehicles on the top 10 list for DUIs are older models that are no longer in production. Additionally, DUI rates are higher among younger drivers. These two phenomena are likely related, as younger drivers are more likely to have limited resources and purchase used vehicles. But there are also vehicles on the list that are quite expensive and out of the price range of most drivers on the road. This goes to show that driving under the influence is a criminal offense that can be committed by people from all walks of life. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, if you are charged with DUI in Arizona, there will be serious and life-altering consequences. Fight back against DUI charges with Arizona’s leading choice for criminal defense representation. Call 480-833-8000 to get started with your free consultation with our firm today.
Common Defenses Against DUI Charges
The strategies that will be most effective in your DUI defense strategy will depend on the specific facts of your case. Sometimes, law enforcement officials make errors that can result in criminal charges being lowered, if not completely dropped. The driver may have a defense if their sobriety test had a positive result, but the driver was actually sober at the time. Below are some brief descriptions of the most common defenses against DUI charges in Arizona. If you’re looking for more information on how they might apply to your situation, contact our firm at 480-833-8000 for your free consultation.
Lack Of Reasonable Suspicion
The U.S. Constitution provides protection from unwarranted searches and seizures. Therefore, absent a legal exemption, law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion before stopping someone to investigate for a crime, including DUI. What gives police officers reasonable suspicion that a driver is under the influence? Some driving mistakes you might make while sober qualify. Speeding, driving far below the speed limit, sudden braking, failure to use headlights, failure to use turn signals, rolling through or running stop signs and traffic signals, swerving, and more can all give police the adequate reasonable suspicion to pull over a driver to check if they are impaired. But if a DUI defendant can prove that no reasonable suspicion was present, it can help reduce or dismiss criminal charges stemming from the arrest.
Lack Of Probable Cause
After a police officer has found reasonable suspicion to pull over a driver and conduct a sobriety test, they must have probable cause to place that driver under arrest. The driver might have bloodshot eyes, smell of alcohol, or fail sobriety tests that can give a police officer probable cause for a DUI test before a breathalyzer test is even administered. Some common examples of sobriety tests are the horizontal gaze nystagmus, walking in a straight line, and standing on one foot.
Not Actually Impaired
It is rare, but breathalyzer tests can sometimes produce erroneous results. There are certain protocol that police should follow before administering a breathalyzer test, and failure to follow these steps could create a defense strategy for a DUI defendant. Additionally, a driver arrested for being impaired to the slightest degree or for a drug DUI can argue that the amount in their system wasn’t enough to constitute intoxication.
Not a Motor Vehicle
This defense has similar logic but applies in far fewer situations. Arizona’s DUI law requires that the defendant be arrested while operating a motor vehicle. This can include not just cars but boats, planes, ATVs, golf carts, and more. If the defendant is arrested while operating a non-motorized vehicle, such as a bicycle or horse, any applicable criminal offense wouldn’t fall under Arizona’s DUI law.
Review Your DUI Case With a Dedicated Professional
Whether or not you drive a vehicle on the DUI list, being charged with driving under the influence can wreak havoc on a defendant’s life. Arizona has the strictest DUI penalties in the country, and requires jail time upon conviction, even for first-time offenders. With all that’s at stake, do you want to trust your case and future with a court-appointed lawyer? You have the right to retain your own legal counsel, and our firm strives to be your top choice for high-quality DUI representation. Get started with your free consultation with our Criminal Defense Lawyer today by calling 480-833-8000. Don’t hesitate to contact us!
