If you have been charged with a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Arizona, you are probably stressed and seeking a trusted criminal defense lawyer to help you out. The state’s driving laws are strict: penalties can affect your finances, driving privileges, and freedom. So, whether this is your first offense or you are facing DUI charges in Arizona again, this article will guide you in understanding the fines, penalties, and options for reinstating your license.
Understanding DUI in Arizona
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a Class 1 violation, as per the Arizona Department of Transportation. A conviction occurs if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is higher than or equal to 0.08, or if you are visibly impaired to the slightest degree. If a BAC or a drug test result is not available, your driving privileges will be halted.
Commercial drivers can be charged with a DUI in Arizona at a BAC of 0.04. for any amount of alcohol while impaired. If you are arrested for driving under the influence and choose not to take the required tests your license will be suspended for 12 months. If it happens again within 84 months, the suspension increases to 24 months.
DUI Penalties and Offense Levels
Arizona DUI penalties vary depending on your BAC, prior convictions, and circumstances, such as if a minor under the age of 15 is in the car with you.
Standard DUI
First Offense:
- At least 10 consecutive days in jail
- Minimum fine of $1,250
- Mandatory alcohol screening, education, or treatment
- Certified ignition interlock device required on any vehicle you drive
- Community service
Second or Subsequent Offense:
- At least 90 days in jail
- Minimum fine of $3,000
- 12-month license revocation
- Alcohol screening, education, or treatment
- Certified ignition interlock device
- Community service
Extreme DUI (BAC ≥ 0.15)
First Offense:
- At least 30 consecutive days in jail (no probation or suspended sentence)
- Minimum fine of $2,500
- Alcohol screening, education, or treatment
- Community service
- Certified ignition interlock device
Second or Subsequent Offense:
- At least 120 days in jail
- Minimum fine of $3,250
- 12-month license revocation
- Alcohol screening, education, or treatment
- Community service
- Certified ignition interlock device
Super Extreme DUI (BAC ≥ 0.20)
- 30-day vehicle impoundment
- At least 45 consecutive days in jail (some days may be suspended at judge’s discretion)
- Suspended jail days only after ignition interlock installation
- Mandatory alcohol or drug screening, education, or treatment
- Court-ordered fines
- Possible community service
Aggravated DUI
This applies if you:
- Commit a DUI with a suspended, revoked, or canceled license
- Get a third DUI in 84 months
- Drive impaired with a passenger under 15
- Refuse a BAC test while under an ignition interlock requirement
Penalties:
- Up to 2 years in prison
- 12-month license revocation (plus other penalties)
- Alcohol screening, education, or treatment
- Certified ignition interlock device
- Community service
Here’s a summary table of what’s above:
| DUI Level & Offense | Jail / Prison Time | Fine | License Penalty | Vehicle Impound | Screening / Education / Treatment | Ignition Interlock | Community Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard DUI – First Offense | ✅ At least 10 consecutive days | ✅ $1,250 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Standard DUI – Second or Subsequent | ✅ At least 90 days | ✅ $3,000 | ✅ 12-month revocation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Extreme DUI (BAC ≥ 0.15) – First Offense | ✅ At least 30 consecutive days (no probation/suspended sentence) | ✅ $2,500 | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Extreme DUI – Second or Subsequent | ✅ At least 120 days | ✅ $3,250 | ✅ 12-month revocation | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Super Extreme DUI (BAC ≥ 0.20) | ✅ At least 45 consecutive days (some may be suspended at judge’s discretion) | ❌ Court-ordered fines | ❌ | ✅ 30-day vehicle impoundment | ✅ Alcohol/drug screening, education, or treatment ✅ Required before suspended jail days | ✅ Possible | ❌ |
| Aggravated DUI | ✅ Up to 2 years in prison | ❌ | ✅ 12-month revocation (plus other penalties) | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Driver’s License Suspension and Reinstatement
After a DUI arrest, your license will be suspended. The offense’s length will depend on the following conditions:
- 90 days for most first offenses
- One year for refusing a BAC test
- Up to three years for aggravation
You can apply for a Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver’s License to maintain limited driving privileges if you install an interlock device and complete mandatory alcohol education.
Act quickly after the arrest. You have 15 days from the date you are served to request an MVD hearing; otherwise, the suspension begins automatically. Use that window to complete your screening, secure SR-22 insurance, and schedule interlock installation if required so you are ready to apply for restricted privileges or full reinstatement as soon as you are eligible.
What Is a Certified Ignition Interlock Device?
A Certified Ignition Interlock Device (CIID) is a state-approved breath-testing unit installed in your vehicle’s ignition system. Before starting the car, and sometimes while driving, you must blow into the device to confirm your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle will not start.
In Arizona, these devices must meet strict state standards and be installed on every vehicle you operate. They also require calibration and compliance checks every 90 days. Failed tests, missed calibrations, or tampering are reported to the MVD and may extend your interlock term or cause a license suspension. CIIDs help prevent repeat offenses and have been shown to lower re-arrest rates.
The CIID’s goal is to reduce repeat DUI offenses, and studies show that it significantly lowers re-arrest rates while installed.
Where to Get Help with Interlock Requirements
Stonewall Institute is a state-licensed Arizona provider offering court- and MVD-approved alcohol screening, education, and treatment programs. If a certified ignition interlock device is required for your reinstatement, they can assist with installation, compliance, and completing all necessary DUI program steps.
Arizona DUI: From Charge to Reinstatement
- Complete alcohol or drug screening.
- Enroll in a state-approved DUI program and finish all court-ordered classes.
- Pay all fines and court costs.
- Install a certified ignition interlock device if required.
- Obtain SR-22 insurance and have your insurer submit proof of SR-22.
- Apply for restricted driving privileges if you are eligible.
- Submit everything to ADOT: completion certificates, SR-22 proof, and interlock verification.
- Pay reinstatement fees to the Arizona Department of Transportation and reinstate your license.
- Stay compliant after reinstatement by maintaining SR-22 and keeping the interlock installed until ADOT clears you.
Why Legal Help Matters
If you are facing DUI charges in Arizona, hiring an attorney may be able to reduce penalties or challenge the evidence. An experienced defense attorney can build a strong defense, especially for complex cases. For aggravated DUI or felony charges, a criminal defense attorney with extensive experience in Arizona defense is essential.
Act Now
The penalties for violating Arizona DUI laws can be tough, but taking action now can help you minimize the impact. Complete your required classes, get your certified interlock device installed, and stay on top of every court order. If you have been arrested, contact a defense attorney to discuss your case. Taking steps immediately after being charged with a DUI can help you protect your driving privileges and your future.
The penalties for violating Arizona DUI laws can be tough, but taking action now can help you minimize the impact. Complete your required classes, get your certified interlock device installed, and stay on top of every court order. If you’ve been arrested, it’s important to contact a First Offense DUI lawyer to discuss your case and understand your options. Taking steps immediately after being charged with a DUI can help you protect your driving privileges and your future.
