How Can a DUI in Arizona Impact Your Life?

The most obvious consequence of a DUI, and the most dreaded ramification for most people, is jail time. DUI, even extreme DUI, is a misdemeanor offense. Even a serious Class 1 misdemeanor will typically result in no more than six months in jail and fines of up to $2,500. Most misdemeanors do not lead to prison sentences.

You can be arrested for an extreme DUI with a BAC over 0.20 percent and only be sentenced to two weeks or less in jail, as long as you adhere to the necessary requirements like having an ignition interlock device installed on your car, attending and completing traffic school and attend any court-ordered alcohol counseling.

Second offense extreme DUIs within 84 months (seven years) are still considered misdemeanors and will typically only result in jail time, not a prison sentence.

You usually won’t be charged with felony DUI until certain aggravating factors are met (A.R.S. § 28-1383). In Arizona, this may include:

• Getting a third DUI charge within seven years
• Being arrested for DUI while your license is suspended, canceled or revoked
• Having a passenger under the age of 15 in your car while driving under the influence
• Getting a DUI after an Ignition Interlock Device is installed in your car

Other than having a passenger under the age of 15 in your car, which is a Class 6 felony, most of these aggravating factors are charged as Class 4 felonies. Prison sentences can vary depending on the number of previous felony convictions but normally range between one and 15 years.

Other Consequences of a DUI

Fines and jail time are not the only legal consequences people convicted of DUIs in Phoenix face. First offense DUI can also result in court-ordered alcohol counseling. Drivers usually won’t lose their license for a first DUI offense but can have their driving privileges revoked for subsequent DUIs within seven years. Having to install (and pay for) an ignition interlock device is more common, even after first offense DUIs.

The fine for a first offense DUI is only $250, but those convicted will also be required to pay multiple “assessments.” These are similar to taxes and go toward specific state funds. For example, first-time offenses require a $500 assessment for the public safety equipment fund and a $500 assessment for the prison construction and operations fund. All combined, you will need to pay $1,250 out of pocket for a first offense DUI (not counting ancillary fees related to things like ignition interlock devices).

People convicted of first-time DUIs are usually subject to unsupervised probation. Although people on unsupervised probation are not required to check in with a probation officer, any violation of their probation, like getting pulled over with even a slightly elevated BAC or refusing a breathalyzer, can face additional punishments.

Employment Impact

Some employers may terminate individuals convicted of a DUI or not hire someone who has a DUI on their record. Having a DUI on your record may also make it more difficult to get security clearances, which might limit your employment opportunities if it’s required for your desired career.

Some job applications may ask if you’ve been convicted of a crime or a felony – which are two very different questions. You aren’t necessarily required by law to disclose these convictions. Most DUI convictions in Arizona are charged as a misdemeanor, and you can potentially have a DUI expunged if you complete all requirements and don’t commit any new infractions.

Financial Impact

You may want to hire a private practice attorney to defend you in a DUI case, which isn’t free. Although a private DUI attorney is more expensive than a public defender, a reduction in charges, beneficial plea deal or dismissal of charges can save you from the fines, assessments and other financial consequences down the road.

Those convicted of a DUI will also need to pay for the ignition interlock device, which includes installation and rental costs. There can be other derivative expenses as well, like increased insurance premiums or vehicle towing and storage fees.

Travel Restrictions

Some countries are particularly strict on criminal records. For example, Canada considers a DUI a serious offense and may deny entry, even if you only have misdemeanor DUI convictions.

Educational Opportunities

Some scholarships have conditions regarding the conduct of the recipient. Even a misdemeanor DUI might violate the moral clause and result in the loss of the scholarship. Even if a scholarship does not have morality requirements, a DUI can negatively affect a student’s grades due to court dates, jail time or the time requirements of dealing with the legal challenges of a DUI. Reduced academic performance resulting from a DUI may affect scholarship eligibility.

Some college applications also ask about criminal history, although this varies depending on the institution.

Professional Licenses

Some professional licenses may have specific rules regarding criminal records, including in the fields of medicine, education and law. The severity of the charge can potentially influence the consequences on your professional license.

Get Aggressive Defense From a Board-Certified DUI Attorney

Michael Alarid III is board-certified in DUI defense by the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) and is an Arizona board-certified specialist in criminal law. He has extensive experience defending clients in Phoenix from all types of DUI charges.



He is acutely aware of how damaging the consequences of a DUI conviction can be for your life and can recommend effective strategies for minimizing the impact. You can learn more about your options by calling (602) 818-3110.