If you are found guilty of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) in Arizona you will go to jail. Even if no one was hurt or killed, or you didn't even hit another car or damage anything at all. It is mandatory that you spend a minimum of 24 hours in jail, even for your first offense. In addition to 24 hours in jail, you will have to pay fines and fees. Many people don't consider the financial penalties, but in many cases the expenses can be more of a hardship than the 24 hours in jail. If you are convicted of DUI more than once, the penalties get exponentially harsher.
What follows are the sentencing, penalty and fee guidelines for DUI in Arizona. These do not include what you may have to pay an attorney, what it might cost you if you miss work or lose your job, what you might have to pay in increased insurance costs, or any other cost associated with being convicted of a DUI.
Charge: First time DUI
Proof: Impaired to the slightest degree
Minimum Mandatory Sentence: 10 days in jail with 9 days suspended if alcohol assessment and treatment are completed, $250 fine plus 84% surcharge plus other fees (around $480 total fine), $500 fee to DPS, $500 prison assessment fee, probation fee of $20, time payment fee of $20, attend an alcohol screening and education or treatment, probation and community service are possible but not required, pay jail costs, install an interlock ignition device for one year at a cost of approximately $1,000.
Maximum Sentence: 6 months jail, $2500 fine plus 84% surcharge and other fees; 3 years probation; $500 fee to DPS, $500 prison assessment fee, probation fee of $20, time payment fee of $20, attend an alcohol screening and education or treatment, probation and community service are possible but not required, pay jail costs, install an interlock ignition device for one year at a cost of approximately $1,000.
Charge: DUI with BAC of .08% or more
Proof: BAC of .08% or more
Minimum Mandatory Sentence: 10 days in jail with 9 days suspended if alcohol assessment and treatment are completed, $250 fine plus 84% surcharge plus other fees (around $480 total fine), $500 fee to DPS, $500 prison assessment fee, probation fee of $20, time payment fee of $20, attend an alcohol screening and education or treatment, probation and community service are possible but not required, pay jail costs, install an interlock ignition device for one year at a cost of approximately $1,000.
Maximum Sentence: 6 months jail, $2500 fine plus 84% surcharge and other fees; 3 years probation; $500 fee to DPS, $500 prison assessment fee, probation fee of $20, time payment fee of $20, attend an alcohol screening and education or treatment, probation and community service are possible but not required, pay jail costs, install an interlock ignition device for one year at a cost of approximately $1,000.
Breath test/blood test: If the reading is .08 or more the driver's license is suspended for 90 days, however for 60 of those days the license may be restricted to allow travel between home and work or home and school. If a driver refuses to take the test the driver's license is suspended for a year mandatory.
Charge: Extreme DUI
Proof: BAC of .15% or more
Minimum Mandatory Sentence: 30 consecutive days jail; $250 fine plus 84% surcharge plus $250 assessment fee, $1000 fee to DPS, $1000 prison assessment fee, probation fee of $20, time payment fee of $20, attend an alcohol screening and education or treatment, probation and community service are possible but not required, pay jail costs, install an interlock ignition device for a minimum of twelve months at a cost of approximately $1,000 per year.
Maximum Sentence: 6 months jail, $2500 fine plus 84% surcharge and other fees; 3 years probation
Charge: Extreme DUI
Proof: BAC of .20% or more
Minimum Mandatory Sentence: 45 consecutive days jail; $500 fine plus 84% surcharge plus $250 assessment fee plus, $1000 fee to DPS, $1000 prison assessment fee, probation fee of $20, time payment fee of $20, attend an alcohol screening and education or treatment, probation and community service are possible but not required, pay jail costs, install an interlock ignition device for a minimum of twelve months at a cost of approximately $1,000 per year.
Maximum Sentence: 6 months jail, $2500 fine plus 84% surcharge and other fees; 3 years probation
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This information was last update on the date shown at the top of the article, and is subject to change without notice. Consult an attorney if you have questions about DUI sentencing, fees or fines in Arizona.
