MCSO Gets Additional Funding to Investigate Vehicular Crimes Resulting from DUI

Vehicular crime laws in Arizona carry some of the most severe consequences and penalties. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office was granted additional funding in October 2012 investigation of vehicular crimes that result in serious and fatal auto crashes. The additional $30,000.00 funding will allow police to spend more time investigating DUI accidents and fatal crashes caused by driver impairment due to alcohol and drugs.

Vehicular Crimes Arizona

A “vehicular crime” can be described as any crime involving use of a vehicle. Driving “impaired to the slightest degree” DUI due to alcohol or drugs. This is the case, even if an accident or injury was not involved.

Other vehicular crimes in Arizona may include:

• Manslaughter; A.R.S. § 13-1103
• Negligent Homicide/Vehicular Homicide  A.R.S. § 13-1102
• Reckless Driving & Endangerment; A.R.S. § 13-1201
• Aggravated Assault  A.R.S. § 13-1204
• Hit and run; unlawful flight or leaving the scene of an accident A.R.S. § 28-661

Even though a person many may not have intended to injure anyone, these incidents will expose a person to serious criminal liability.

Penalties are severe, especially for Manslaughter and Negligent Homicide which carry long term prison sentencing from 3.75 years to up to 12.5 years depending on mitigated or aggravated factors. Some of these include:

• Severity of the injury;
• Fatality;
• Repeat or first-time offender;
• Status and validity of driver’s license at the time of the incident;
• Whether or not the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Age of passengers in the vehicle

Other penalties include revocation of driver’s license; large fines, fees, and assessments; restitution to the victim; probation, parole, or community service; and installation of Ignition Interlock Devices (IID) in the case of drunk driving offenses. Other penalties ordered by the court.