First DUI in Arizona

Arizona First DUI Offense Penalties

A first DUI offense arrest in Arizona results in penalties such as:

• At least 10 consecutive days in jail. Nine of these days may be suspended. Your jail term can be up to 6 months following an Arizona first-time DUI.
• Fines of at least $1,250, and up to $2,500.
• Suspension of your driver’s license for up to 90 days.
• If you are convicted of a DUI alcohol offense, a certified ignition interlock device installed on all of your vehicles for at least 6 months following the completion of your license suspension.
• Probation of up to five years.
• Community service hours and alcohol or drug education classes.

In certain circumstances, the penalties for a first offense DUI can be a lot more severe than what is detailed above, including cases involving serious bodily injury or death caused to another person, as well as DUIs involving a high level of impairment.

Often, if a DUI defense lawyer is unable to get their client’s charge dropped due to the circumstances of the investigation, testing, or arrest, they will attempt to seek a plea deal in which the client pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for lighter consequences. In many cases, they will seek a reduction to the slightly impaired DUI charge.

A first offense DUI in Arizona is a serious criminal charge that can have life-changing consequences. If you or a loved one has been charged with a first offense DUI, it is important to seek experienced legal guidance as soon as possible.

The criminal defense lawyers at Future First Criminal Law have successfully represented many clients facing first offense DUI charges in Arizona. We understand the ins and outs of DUI law and will work tirelessly to get the best possible outcome for your case.

Lookback Period For Arizona DUIs

In states such as Arizona, the penalties for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol worsen with each subsequent offense during a certain amount of time. The amount of time that officials can go back and consider prior DUI offenses is known as the lookback period. In Arizona, this period is seven years before the current offense.

Reinstatement Of Driving Privileges After A First-Time DUI

Those who have had their driver’s license suspended as a result of a DUI in Arizona can sometimes obtain a restricted license that will allow them to drive to work or school, as well as to drug or alcohol classes or treatment. You will likely qualify for a restricted license, provided:

• Your alcohol- or drug-impaired driving did not result in the serious bodily injury or death of another person.
• You have not received another DUI or refused a chemical blood or breath alcohol concentration test in the past 7 years.
• You have provided satisfactory proof of the completion of drug and alcohol screening.
• Pay a small MVD fee.

In order to reinstate your driving privileges after they have been suspended due to a DUI, you must do the following:

• Contact the court listed on the suspension notice and pay all penalties that are delinquent.
• Obtain a court clearance receipt or court abstract form that lists a final disposition code and date, violation code and date, and complaint number.
• Proof of future financial responsibility, known as SR22, from an insurance company licensed to conduct business in Arizona, a certificate from the Arizona Office of the Treasurer showing a deposit in cash, or a certificate of deposit of $40,000.
• Pay the $10 reinstatement fee in addition to the application fee.
• Enroll and successfully complete an alcohol or drug screening and education or treatment program.

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