Getting a DUI in Arizona has serious consequences for your driving privileges. When you're arrested for a DUI in the state, your license is immediately suspended for 90 days, even before you're convicted. If convicted of a first-time DUI in Arizona, you'll typically face a 90-day license suspension, with potential requirements for an ignition interlock device for 6-12 months after your driving privileges are restored.
The penalties become more severe for repeat offenses or if you refuse testing. If you decline a breathalyzer test, your license can be suspended for 12 months under Arizona's implied consent laws. For more serious DUI offenses, you might face license revocation for up to one year or even imprisonment for up to two years in extreme cases.
Arizona takes driving under the influence very seriously with penalties that can significantly impact your life. The severity of consequences depends on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and whether you have prior offenses.
In Arizona, you can be charged with DUI if you're driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The legal BAC limit is 0.08% for standard drivers. However, commercial drivers face a stricter limit of 0.04%.
Even if your BAC is below these limits, you can still be charged with DUI if an officer determines you're impaired to the slightest degree. This means your ability to drive is affected by alcohol or drugs.
The concept of "actual physical control" is important. You don't need to be actively driving to be charged—sitting in a parked car with keys accessible can be enough in some cases.
Arizona classifies DUIs into three main categories based on blood alcohol concentration:
Each category carries increasingly severe penalties. For a first-time standard DUI, license suspension typically lasts 90 days. Extreme and Super Extreme DUIs result in harsher consequences, including longer license suspensions.
After a DUI conviction, you'll also face mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device for at least one year. This device prevents your vehicle from starting if it detects alcohol on your breath.
In Arizona, DUI convictions result in automatic license penalties that vary by offense type and number. The state imposes different suspension periods depending on whether it's your first offense, a repeat offense, or involves aggravating circumstances.
For a standard first-time DUI in Arizona, your license will be suspended for 90 days. During this period, the first 30 days require complete suspension with no driving privileges. After those initial 30 days, you may apply for a restricted license for the remaining 60 days.
This restricted license allows you to drive to:
To reinstate your license after the suspension period, you must:
If you refused a breathalyzer test during your arrest, the suspension increases to 12 months with no restricted driving privileges.
Repeat DUI offenses carry much harsher license penalties. A second DUI within 7 years results in a 1-year license suspension with no possibility of a restricted license during this period.
For a third DUI conviction, your license will be revoked for 3 years. During revocation, you cannot drive under any circumstances, and your driving privileges are completely terminated.
To reinstate your license after a revocation period:
The MVD will not automatically restore your license after the revocation period ends. You must apply for reinstatement and be approved.
An aggravated DUI is considered a felony in Arizona and carries the most severe license penalties. Your license will be revoked for a minimum of 1 year if you:
For aggravated DUIs, there are absolutely no driving privileges during the revocation period. After revocation, you must:
Driving during a suspension or revocation period will result in additional criminal charges and extended license penalties.
The path through a DUI license suspension involves several critical legal steps and resources that can significantly impact outcomes. Understanding proper legal representation and available resources can make all the difference in your case.
A skilled DUI defense attorney can significantly improve your chances of minimizing license suspension periods. We recommend looking for attorneys with specific experience in Arizona DUI cases, as they understand the nuances of state laws and local court procedures.
The best DUI attorneys often have years of relevant work experience and specialized training in areas like field sobriety testing and breathalyzer accuracy. Many maintain memberships in professional associations focused on DUI defense and criminal law.
When selecting representation, look for attorneys who have handled cases similar to yours. Some attorneys may have special expertise in certain types of DUI cases, such as:
Quality legal representation can often be identified through professional credentials and peer recognition. We recommend checking potential attorneys' standings with the State Bar of Arizona and reviewing their disciplinary history.
Many reputable DUI attorneys have Avvo ratings in the "Superb" or "Excellent" categories. These ratings consider factors like years licensed, professional conduct, and peer endorsements from other legal professionals.
Additional indicators of quality representation include:
Local legal aid organizations can also provide resources if you cannot afford private representation. The Arizona State Bar offers referral services to help connect you with appropriate legal assistance.
After a DUI in Arizona, getting back on the road requires completing several specific steps. The process varies based on your offense level and whether this is your first DUI.
Most DUI offenders in Arizona must install an ignition interlock device (IID) before regaining driving privileges. This small breathalyzer connects to your vehicle's ignition system and prevents starting if alcohol is detected.
For first-time offenders, an IID is typically required for 6-12 months. Multiple or extreme DUI offenders may need it for 18-24 months.
You can apply for a restricted license after serving the mandatory suspension period (usually 90 days for first offenses). This allows driving to work, school, and treatment programs while your case proceeds.
The MVD requires proof of IID installation before issuing a restricted license. The device must be serviced monthly, and any tampering will result in additional penalties.
All DUI offenders must complete alcohol education or treatment programs before license reinstatement. These programs typically include:
The length varies from 16 hours for first offenders to 36+ hours for repeat offenders.
We must also obtain SR-22 insurance, a special certificate filed by your insurance company proving you maintain required liability coverage. SR-22 must be maintained for 3 years after a DUI conviction.
The costs are significant - insurance rates typically increase 50-100% after a DUI. Failure to maintain SR-22 coverage results in immediate license suspension.
Additional fees include a $10 application fee and a $50 reinstatement fee when applying for license restoration.
Losing your license after a DUI in Arizona is a serious consequence that affects your daily life. For first-time offenders, a 90-day suspension is standard, with the first 30 days being a full suspension and the remaining 60 days allowing limited driving privileges.
If you refuse a breathalyzer test, the consequences become more severe with a 12-month license suspension under Arizona's implied consent law.
Multiple DUI offenses lead to harsher penalties. Second DUIs typically result in a 1-year revocation, while extreme or aggravated DUIs can lead to longer suspensions.
Important steps after a DUI charge:
We recommend consulting with a DUI attorney who understands Arizona law. They can help navigate the complex legal process and possibly reduce the impact on your driving privileges.
Remember that DUI consequences extend beyond license suspension. Insurance rate increases, employment difficulties, and personal reputation are all affected by a DUI conviction.
The best strategy is always prevention. Plan for safe transportation when drinking to avoid these serious consequences altogether.
back