DUI Penalties

Arizona DUI laws are very specific: driving while intoxicated will cost you. If you are facing an Arizona DUI arrest or conviction, your first step is to contact an Arizona DUI lawyer. You should know about the laws and your rights several things.

Blood Alcohol Level in Arizona

In Arizona, you can be arrested for one of two reasons. If your driving ability is impaired even slightly, you may face charges. On the other hand, if your blood alcohol level is above the legal limit:

• The illegal blood alcohol level in Arizona is .08 percent or greater.
• Arizona Extreme DUI is a blood alcohol level of .15 percent or greater, which warrants as much as double the penalties listed below, based on offense.
• For commercial drivers, a blood alcohol level of .04 percent or greater will result in violations of Arizona DUI laws.

Implied Consent

Under Arizona law, you drive on roadways with the implied consent that you will submit to a chemical test if a police officer requests one. Therefore, if you fail to submit to the test, or refuse a chemical test, you will automatically lose your driver's license for 12 months! A second refusal warrants 2 years suspension.

Arizona Laws for DUI: First Time Offense

For first time offenders, expect the following when facing Arizona DUI penalties without the aid of an Arizona DUI lawyer:

• Criminal Case Filing Status: You may be charged with a class 1 misdemeanor. 

An aggravated DUI in Arizona occurs when circumstances of your DUI arrest are coupled with more than one offense such as these circumstances:

1.      You have a suspended, canceled, or revoked license

2.      You are under the age of 15

If you had two more prior convictions in the past 4 years, the DUI charge can result in the elevation of the crime to a felony.

• Jail Time: In Arizona, DUI laws state that first time offenders may spend 1 to 10 days in jail, extreme offenders may spend up to 30 days in jail. If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI, a court will determine your sentencing.
  
• Arizona License Penalties: DUI convictions also result in a suspension of the driver's licenses for up to 90 days. In Arizona Extreme DUI cases, a suspension will last a year. With an Arizona aggravated DUI, you could lose your license for up to three years.
  
• Arizona DUI Fines - The minimum charge is $1250, including state general fund and prison construction fund costs. In Arizona Extreme DUI cases, expect an additional $250 for a DUI assessment. In Arizona Aggravated DUI, expect to pay $4000.
  

Individuals are likely to be on probation for up to five years with aggravated DUI cases resulting in 10 years on probation. Arizona DUI laws may require alcohol screening and education treatments for some first time offenders. For repeat offenders or a first time extreme offender, those convicted of Aggravated DUI in Arizona will be required to have an ignition interlock device put on their vehicle.

Arizona DUI Laws Second Offense

If you break Arizona DUI laws a second time (or multiple times), the penalties stiffen.

• Jail Time:  You will spend up to 90 days in jail, or, if you agree to alcohol and/or drug evaluation, the court may reduce this jail time
  
• Fines: A base fine of $500 is to be expected, along with an additional $250 for the DUI abatement fund and an additional $1250 assessment
  
• Licensing Penalties: You will lose your license for one year

Arizona DUI laws for multiple offenders include extended jail time and fines. In addition, for aggravated DUI's, vehicle forfeiture is likely ordered by the court. Arizona DUI penalties for multiple offenders can have a serious effect on your driving and criminal history. Probation is likely to last for five years.

Hiring a Lawyer for a DUI Charge in Arizona

If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona for either a first or a repeat offense, it may be in your best interest to hire a lawyer to help you mitigate the conviction. Arizona DUI lawyers are usually very effective in being able to help drop the charge altogether, help reduce the penalties, charges, and suggesting mild alternate resolutions with the court rather than facing stiff periods of jail times.

Contact Arizona Drunk Driving Attorneys

• If you have been charged with a DUI and need to seek legal help, Submit your Case for a Free Review from a DUI Lawyer in Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only, and nothing stated here should be taken as legal advice.

Arizona DUI Legal Web Resources