The Real Cost of DUI Convictions in Arizona

Being convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona can be an expensive and life-altering event. Beyond the immediate fines and penalties, Arizonans with one or more DUIs on their record face financial and personal consequences that can linger for years.

Monetary Costs of a DUI Conviction

Fines and Court Fees

First-time DUI offenders in Arizona face fines and assessments starting at approximately $1,500, but this amount can escalate significantly based on the severity of the offense (e.g., extreme DUI or aggravated DUI). A second, third or fourth offense can lead to much higher fines.

Court fees, surcharges and jail costs can also add hundreds of dollars more to this baseline cost.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

Arizona requires the installation of an IID for most DUI convictions, even for first-time offenders. Costs include:

• Installation: $70 to $150
• Monthly rental: $70 to $100
• Maintenance fees: $20 to $30 per month

The cost of installation, monthly rental fee and maintenance frequencies and fees vary by IID provider. You can find a list of ADOT-approved providers on their website. Your total IID costs will ultimately depend on the provider you choose and the number of vehicles that require a device, but it’s not uncommon for IID costs to exceed $1,500   per year.

Alcohol Screening, Education and Treatment Programs

DUI offenders must complete mandatory alcohol screening and education programs.

These costs vary based on the provider and the type of education and treatment programs you’re required to complete. Regardless of which provider you choose, you will likely be required to pay:

• An intake fee
• Screening or assessment fees
• One or more DUI education course fees
• Additional fees for group sessions if required
• Other related counseling or class fees

Depending on the program and individual requirements, the costs of screening, education and treatment can range from roughly $400 to $2,500.

License Reinstatement and DMV Fees

Drivers will also be required to cover additional costs for getting their driver’s license reinstated, such as:

• Reinstatement fee: $20
• Application fee: Up to $25 plus other potential fees
• SR-22 Insurance (proof of financial responsibility): Can add $1,000 to $3,000 annually to your insurance costs.

Legal Fees

It’s difficult to provide a concrete estimate for attorney fees for DUI cases due to the variables at play in each case. Typically, cases that are straightforward will be more affordable.

Complex and serious cases, such as for people with multiple past DUIs or aggravated DUIs, or those where there are significant questions regarding police actions or testing procedures, may end up costing more.

Hiring an attorney for a DUI case in Arizona can cost anywhere from several thousand dollars to $10,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case.

Lost Wages

Time spent in court, attending mandatory classes or serving jail time can lead to lost wages. Even people with first-time DUIs may end up missing a week or more of work.

Indirect Financial Consequences

Increased Insurance Premiums

Following a DUI, insurance premiums can skyrocket, potentially increasing by up to thousands of dollars annually.

Employment Challenges

Certain professions, such as commercial drivers, healthcare workers or law enforcement officers, may face job termination or disqualification from employment opportunities due to a DUI conviction.

Background checks revealing a DUI can make it harder to secure new employment, particularly in fields requiring a clean driving record.

Impact on Professional Licenses

For professionals such as lawyers, teachers or healthcare providers, a DUI conviction can lead to disciplinary action, suspension, or revocation of their professional licenses. The consequences vary depending on the licensing board and their policies.

Education and Scholarship Loss

Students may lose scholarships or face disciplinary actions at their educational institutions due to a DUI conviction, potentially delaying graduation and increasing student loan burdens.

Housing and Credit Implications

A DUI on your record can affect rental applications and approval for loans, especially for housing. Landlords and lenders may view a DUI as a sign of irresponsibility, leading to higher deposits or rejected applications.

Personal and Emotional Costs

Strained Relationships

The stress of legal battles, financial strain and public embarrassment can take a toll on personal relationships, sometimes leading to breakups, divorces or family estrangement.

These types of personal disputes can have negative financial consequences.

Transportation Challenges

Losing driving privileges can make it harder to commute to work, attend social gatherings or manage daily errands, potentially leading to reliance on costly alternatives like rideshares or taxis.

A DUI Conviction’s Total Financial Impact

When all costs are combined, the total financial burden of a first-time DUI conviction in Arizona can be tens of thousands of dollars. The cost can be particularly high for repeat offenses or aggravated DUIs.

Minimizing the Financial Consequences of a DUI in Phoenix

One of the most common questions DUI attorneys are asked by people facing drunk driving charges is, “How much will it cost?” There is no simple answer that can be universally applied to every scenario. Although there are specific fines and court costs based on the severity of charges, the many other variables involved can influence the ultimate cost of a DUI conviction or guilty plea.

Although representation from a private practice DUI attorney comes at a cost, a successful case outcome or favorable plea deal may reduce the long-term financial impact.

Michael Alarid III is board-certified in DUI defense through the National College for DUI Defense (NCDD) and is an Arizona Board-Certified Specialist in Criminal Law. He will aggressively advocate for the optimal outcome for your situation and strive to minimize the financial impact of a DUI on your life. Call (602) 818-3110 for a free case evaluation.