Charged with your first DUI in Arizona? It’s probably not the conversation you want to have right now. But deep down, you know you’ll need a solid picture of how much a DUI costs in Arizona.
Between court fines, attorney fees, insurance hikes, and mandatory DUI classes, the cost of a 1st offense DUI in AZ can range from $7,000 to over $20,000 by the end of it all.
But so as not to overwhelm you, we’ll break down the cost and even suggest areas where you may be able to save money.
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1. The Legal Fines and Fees
Even for a first-time DUI, Arizona DUI penalties are one of the strictest and most intense. There’s no way to move forward for free. Getting a DUI in Arizona, will definitely cost you money.
The amount you’ll pay depends on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at the time of arrest. There are three main categories:
| Type of DUI | BAC Range | Court Fine (with surcharges) |
| Standard DUI | 0.08 – 0.149 | $1,250 – $2,500 |
| Extreme DUI | 0.15 – 0.199 | $2,500 – $3,500 |
| Super Extreme DUI | 0.20+ | $3,000 – $5,000 |
Keep in mind that these are only the offense fines. Courts will still add other costs, such as jail fees, court assessments, and state surcharges. If your Arizona DUI is a first offense, expect to pay toward the lower end of that range.
2. DUI Screening, Education, and Treatment
Arizona law requires every DUI offender to complete a DUI screening and any recommended education or treatment program. You must have your DUI screening done through a state-licensed provider (like Stonewall DUI Services).
Screenings typically range in cost from $79 to $150. After you complete your screening, you’ll need to complete a DUI education or treatment program. The cost depends on how many hours you’re assigned, but it usually runs anywhere from $250 to $2,000 in total.
The good news is that Stonewall DUI Services offers payment plans to make it easier to manage the cost. It’s meant to help clients stay on track, rebuild, and move forward without the stress of paying everything up front.
You can also complete your classes online through Stonewall DUI Services, which really helps if you’re working or juggling other responsibilities.
Why DUI Classes Are a Must (and How to Get Started)
After all this is done, you’ll realize that your DUI education program might actually be the simplest step. Completing your DUI class shows the court you’re serious about compliance, and it’s one of the few things you can control in this whole process.
At Stonewall DUI Services, we offer online DUI classes approved by the Arizona Department of Health Services so that you can meet this requirement quickly and affordably.
You can enroll anytime and get started immediately. No waiting period.
3. Attorney Fees
You don’t have to hire a private attorney for your DUI case, but many people do. A DUI case in Arizona involves a lot of moving parts, such as court appearances, license issues, and sometimes even separate hearings with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
It’s a lot to handle on your own, especially if you’ve never been through the legal system before.
A DUI attorney helps you in several key ways:
- Explains the legal process
- Represents you in court
- Negotiates with prosecutors
- Protects your driver’s license
- Look for mistakes in your arrest
The cost for a DUI lawyer usually falls between $3,000 and $7,000 for a 1st offense DUI in AZ.
Some charge a flat fee, covering everything from start to finish, while others charge hourly rates (around $200 to $400 per hour). It’s wise to ask upfront what’s included with the service.
If you can’t afford a private attorney, you can always go with a public defender. You’ll still have legal representation, and they’re usually experienced in DUI law.
However, they often handle many cases at once, so you might get less one-on-one attention. You’ll also still be responsible for other court costs and fines, even if you don’t pay for your attorney directly.
Either way, you’ll definitely want a lawyer to guide you through the most confusing part of the process.
4. Towing, Impound, and License Fees
When you’re arrested for DUI, your vehicle is often towed and impounded for 20–30 days.
The average towing and impound cost in Arizona can run from $200 to $500 just for towing, and $400 to $800 for impound storage.
License reinstatement fees usually cost around $50 once you complete all your requirements.
5. Ignition Interlock Device (IID)
In Arizona, every DUI conviction requires an ignition interlock device to be installed in your vehicle.
You’ll have to rent it from a state-approved provider. The installation costs around $100–$200, and the monthly rental fee runs $80–$150.
Since the device must stay in your car for at least 12 months (for a standard DUI), you’re looking at $1,000 to $1,800 total.
6. Increased Car Insurance Premiums
This is the silent cost that most people forget. A DUI conviction can cause your insurance premium to double or even triple.
Over the next three years, that could easily mean $3,000 to $9,000 in higher insurance costs. Some insurers might even cancel your policy altogether.
Insurance companies raise rates because they see it as a red flag for risk. Basically, when someone gets a DUI, the insurer assumes that person is more likely to get another serious violation in the future.
So, to protect themselves, insurance providers either raise your premiums or sometimes drop your coverage completely. From their point of view, it’s about balancing risk and cost.
It might feel unfair, especially if it was a one-time mistake, but to insurance providers, it’s business.
7. Other Possible Costs
A few more items to budget for:
- Time off work: Court dates, jail time, classes
- Probation fees: Usually $60 to $80 per month.
- Jail costs: Even one day in jail comes with a bill. For example, Maricopa County charges around $100 to $300 per night for jail housing fees.
Full Cost Breakdown (Estimated Ranges)
| Expense | Low End | High End |
| Court fines and fees | $1,250 | $5,000 |
| Attorney fees | $3,000 | $7,000 |
| Towing and impound | $600 | $1,200 |
| Ignition Interlock Device | $1,000 | $1,800 |
| Insurance increase | $3,000 | $9,000 |
| DUI screening and education | $500 | $2,000 |
| License and admin fees | $100 | $300 |
| Miscellaneous (probation, jail, etc.) | $200 | $700 |
| Estimated Total | $7,000+ | $20,000+ |
Ways to Lessen the Cost of Arizona DUI Penalties
Now that you’ve seen how high these costs can go, here’s the part where we find practical ways to lessen the financial damage.
You can’t avoid every fee, but there are smart ways to lower the total amount you spend.
1. Complete Your Court Requirements Early
Finishing your DUI or MVD screening and education program early shows responsibility. It can help you qualify for suspended jail time or reduced probation. Plus, once you complete these steps, you can often apply for license reinstatement faster.
Start with your screening at Stonewall DUI Services, then enroll in your DUI classes online.
2. Shop Around for Car Insurance
Assuming that your current insurance provider raises your rate, don’t just accept it. Get quotes from other companies. Some specialize in high-risk drivers and offer more affordable coverage after a DUI.
Even switching to a different plan could save you hundreds of dollars a year.
3. Ask About Payment Plans
Courts, attorneys, and even class providers often have payment options. Instead of paying everything at once, you can spread out your costs over several months.
Stonewall DUI Services, for example, offers flexible payment plans for DUI education & treatment programs, making it easier to stay compliant without having to pay for everything up front.
4. Look Into Alternative Sentencing
Depending on your county and situation, you might be eligible for home detention or work release instead of full jail time. While there’s still a daily fee, it’s often cheaper than jail and allows you to keep your job.
5. Avoid Extra Violations
This one’s simple:
- Don’t miss court dates.
- Don’t skip classes.
- Don’t drive without your interlock device.
- And more importantly, don’t drink and drive again.
Every violation adds fines or extends your sentence, which means more money out of pocket.
Final Thoughts
The DUI cost in Arizona can be very expensive. But once you complete the required steps like the DUI screening and classes, you’re already on your way to putting this behind you. The sooner you take care of them, the sooner you can focus on rebuilding and getting your life back to normal.
If you’ve been charged with an Arizona DUI first offense, don’t wait to get started. Reach out to Stonewall DUI Services today.
