DUI Attorneys in Arizona
A DUI attorney can represent you on driving under the influence (DUI) charges in an Arizona court. You may decide to hire a lawyer to help you because of the penalties of a DUI, including steep fines and jail time.
NOTE: The content of this website is intended solely for informational purposes. It is not a source of legal advice and should not be used as such.
Hiring a DUI Attorney
A DUI attorney not only knows how the Arizona court systems works, but also has special expertise in DUI cases.
A DUI isn't like a general traffic violation, such as a speeding ticket. If you're arrested, you'll be charged with a crime and must appear in a criminal court. The state of Arizona takes DUI charges seriously, and you'll be faced with several penalties if you're convicted.
Hiring a lawyer can help guide and advise you from arrest to resolution.
Penalties for a DUI in Arizona
The penalties for a DUI depend on the charge you receive and any prior DUI convictions that you have.
Depending on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and other circumstances, you can be charged with:
- DUI for:
- Driving with a BAC of 0.08% or higher.
- Driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of 0.04% or higher.
- Driving under the influence of drugs.
- Extreme DUI for driving with a BAC of 0.15% or more.
- Aggravated DUI for:
- DUI with special circumstances, such as with a suspended driver's license.
OR
- Refusing to take a BAC or other chemical test.
- DUI with special circumstances, such as with a suspended driver's license.
For any DUI charge, you will face penalties from BOTH the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) AND the court.
The AZ MVD will impose an automatic and immediate suspension of your driver's license when you're arrested.
If you're convicted of a DUI in court, the court can impose:
- Jail time:
- At least 10 days in a row for a 1st offense.
- At least 90 days for a 2nd offense or additional offenses.
- A fine:
- At least $1,250 for a 1st offense.
- At least $3,250 for a 2nd offense or subsequent offenses.
- Mandatory completion of an alcohol education or treatment program.
- Community service.
- An ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle.
Penalties are harsher if you have previous DUI convictions OR face extreme DUI or aggravated DUI charges.
Long-Term DUI Consequences
DUI convictions not only cost you a lot up front; they also cost you money in the long run.
In addition to bail, fines, and other common court costs, you'll also have to pay:
- Driver's license reinstatement fees to the AZ MVD.
- Higher Arizona car insurance rates.
- Rental fees for an ignition interlock device, if it's required.
- Fees for alcohol education or treatment programs.
The list of expenses and the strength of BAC evidence may deter you from hiring a DUI attorney.
However, even if a lawyer can't help you avoid a conviction, they can save you time and money in other ways, such as:
- Appearing in court for you or with you.
- Advising you of the best course of action for your circumstances, such as what kind of plea to enter.
- Filing the right paperwork.
Overall, your lawyer's expertise can keep you from making mistakes that could cost you even more and give you the confidence that your case is being handled in the best way possible.
