New AZ DUI law gets tougher

  • Published
  • By Carol O'Maley
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Arizona just got tougher on convicted DUI offenders and Brig. Gen. Tom Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander, said Luke Airmen should take note. Last Friday, a bill was signed into law requiring drivers with a bloodalcohol content above .20 percent to spend 45 days in jail without any time suspended. 

The law also requires all convicted drunk drivers -- even first-timers -- to have ignition-interlock devices installed in their vehicles. Before their cars will start, convicted offenders must breathe into the interlock devices, which test blood-alcohol levels. 

The mandatory jail sentence bill that targets extreme drunk drivers was sponsored by Sen. Jim Waring, R-Phoenix, and signed into law by Gov. Janet Napolitano. 

Currently, about 7,000 Arizonans use required ignition interlocks. Previously, the interlocks were mandated only for those convicted of repeat or extreme DUIs. Officials estimate that some 14,000 more people will be required to install interlocks in their vehicles, if current conviction trends of first-time offenders hold true. 

Several state legislators have said they expect to see a decrease in drunk driving-related fatalities and an increase in the number of lives saved, due to the anticipated deterrent effect of the new New AZ DUI law gets tougher law's stiffer penalties. 

Additional penalties sometimes are given to Luke Airmen convicted of DUIs, said Lt. Col. Thomas Helget, 56th FW Staff Judge Advocate. 

"Luke Airmen convicted of extreme DUI offenses will not be paid during their 45 days in jail, and they could incur other military fines and penalties, which can differ according to the severity of the offense," he said. "When jail time is required by the State, an Airman's enlistment period of service is extended for the same number of days, and it is very likely the Airman will be separated from the Air Force with less than an
honorable discharge." 

The 56th Fighter Wing commander wants to see Airmen step up to the challenge to conduct themselves honorably as law-abiding citizens, in and out of uniform. 

"I hope when Luke Airmen think about the risks and possible consequences of drinking and driving - especially in light of this new, tougher state law -- they will choose to obey and uphold the law instead of breaking it," General Jones said. 

"Making a quality decision to not drink and drive, and sticking with that decision, could  ean the difference between life and death for yourself and others. It also could mean the difference between a military career marked with honor versus one that is marred by misconduct or tragedy."