Arizona Drunk Driving Penalties

Reader’s Question:

My sister was recently charged with DUI here in Arizona. This is already her second offense, the first was in 2002. Would the first offense still count as a prior if it happened six years ago? What are the penalties that would be involved if she will be convicted?

Carla,

Mesa, AZ

Thanks for asking, Carla.

In the state of Arizona, penalties for DUI conviction depend on the defendant’s criminal record and type of DUI that was charged. For the purposes of sentencing, DUI counts as a prior if it occurred within 7 years (84 months) of the current arrest.

There are a lot of penalties involved for second time offender. She may serve jail time of 90-180 days and pay approximately $3,500 in fines and costs and jail costs. Her drivers’ license will be revoked for one year, reinstatement of license is not automatic and she is not eligible for a work permit during the period of revocation. If she will be convicted, she must get a substance abuse evaluation and comply with any recommendation or be subject to additional jail time. She may also be placed on probation for up to five years. The court must order a minimum of 30 hours of community service in addition to any other fine imposed. The court may order your sister to attend one or more sessions of the Mothers Against Drunk Driving Victims Impact Panel. Lastly, she will be required to have Ignition Interlock Device for 12 months after license reinstatement. This device is installed in the vehicle’s dashboard wherein the driver breaths into before the vehicle can be started.