Arizona DUI Penalties

A person arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in Arizona has fifteen (15) days from the time of arrest to request a hearing with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) in order to prevent automatic driver’s license suspension. Actions by the Arizona MVD occur separately and apart from judicial proceedings.

Arizona drunk driving penalties vary based on the accused’s number of prior DUI convictions, blood alcohol content (BAC) at the time of arrest and history of criminal activity. For example, those with a BAC of .15% or higher face stiffer penalties than those with a BAC that is less than .15% at the time of arrest. Cases involving those with a BAC of .15% or above are considered “Extreme DUI” cases. Below is a summary of penalties which may reasonably be expected to be imposed upon individuals convicted of regular DUI in Arizona, having a BAC that is less than .15% at the time of arrest.

1st Offense

Individuals convicted on DUI in Arizona for the first time will be fined $750 plus a surcharge and their driver’s license will be suspended for ninety (90) days by the MVD. A first DUI conviction in Arizona also carries with it ten (10) days in jail, nine (9) days of which may be waived by the court if the convict submits to alcohol counseling or treatment. Up to five (5) years of probation may also come with an initial DUI conviction in Arizona.

A second DUI conviction in Arizona within five (5) years of the first will result in ninety (90) days in jail, sixty (60) days of which may be waived by the court if the convict submits to alcohol counseling or treatment. Fines of $2,000 plus a surcharge will be assessed, and driving privileges will be suspended for one (1) year. An ignition interlock device will be required to be installed on the convict’s vehicle at their own expense, and the convict may be placed on probation for up to five years.

Because so many factors affect sentencing for DUI in Arizona, it is important to contact an attorney who specializes in Arizona DUI laws as soon as possible if you or someone you know has been arrested for violating Arizona’s DUI laws. This is the best way to ensure your rights are protected.