How Much Does a DUI Charge Cost in Arizona?
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge in Arizona carries significant legal, financial, and personal consequences. If you’re charged with a DUI, you may be wondering just how much this will cost you.
Unfortunately, the expenses associated with a DUI charge can quickly add up and impact many aspects of your life.
DUI Laws in Arizona
Before diving into the specific costs, it’s essential to understand the DUI laws in Arizona. According to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the state considers a driver to be impaired if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the legal BAC limit is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, there’s a zero-tolerance policy.
There are several classifications of DUI in Arizona, including:
Standard DUI: A BAC of 0.08% to 0.149%
Extreme DUI: A BAC of 0.15% to 0.199%
Super Extreme DUI: A BAC of 0.20% or more
Aggravated DUI: A DUI charge that involves specific aggravating factors such as driving with a suspended license, having a child under 15 in the vehicle, or committing a third DUI within seven years.
Each of these DUI classifications comes with its own set of legal penalties, which will directly affect the total cost of a DUI charge.
DUI Fines and Penalties
The financial cost of a DUI charge begins with fines and court-related penalties. These fines vary depending on the severity of the offense and whether it’s a first-time DUI or a repeat offense.
1. Fines for a First-Time DUI
For a standard first-time DUI in Arizona, the base fine is $250. However, additional fees and surcharges will be added, including court costs. For an extreme DUI, the minimum fine is $500, but with added surcharges and fees, it can total over $2,500. For a super extreme DUI, the minimum fine starts at $1,000, but the total cost after fees and surcharges is often $3,000 or more.
2. Fines for a Second DUI
If you’re convicted of a second DUI charge within seven years, the fines and penalties increase substantially. For a standard second DUI, the base fine starts at $500, but after surcharges, court fees, and assessments, the total cost often exceeds $3,500. For an extreme or super extreme second DUI, fines can easily reach $4,000 to $5,000 or more.
3. Fines for Aggravated DUI
An aggravated DUI is a felony in Arizona, and the fines are much steeper. The base fine starts at $750, but total costs can reach upwards of $4,500 to $6,000 depending on the circumstances of the case and the court fees involved.
Alcohol Education and Treatment Programs
In addition to fines and fees, those convicted of a DUI charge in Arizona are typically required to complete alcohol education and treatment programs. The specific program required will depend on your BAC level and whether it’s a first or subsequent offense.
The cost of these programs can vary but generally ranges from $500 to $2,500. Extreme DUI or aggravated DUI cases may require more intensive treatment programs, which could increase the total cost of these mandatory services.
Ignition Interlock Device Costs
One of the most significant expenses associated with a DUI conviction in Arizona is the mandatory ignition interlock device (IID). Arizona law requires all individuals convicted of a DUI to install an IID in their vehicle, even for a first-time offense. The IID prevents the vehicle from starting unless the driver provides a breath sample that’s below the set alcohol limit.
The cost of an IID includes both installation and monthly maintenance fees. On average, a person can expect to pay between $1,200 and $1,500 per year for the IID, and first-time offenders are generally required to use the device for at least 12 months.
Increased Auto Insurance Rates
One of the most long-term financial consequences of a DUI conviction is the impact on your auto insurance premiums. After a DUI conviction, you’ll be required to obtain an SR-22 certificate from your insurance provider. This is a document that proves you have the minimum required insurance coverage after a DUI.
Because you’re now considered a high-risk driver, your insurance premiums will increase significantly. On average, drivers with a DUI conviction in Arizona see their auto insurance rates increase by 30% to 50%, which translates to an additional $1,500 to $3,000 per year in insurance costs.
Additional Costs
1. Towing and Impound Fees
After being arrested for a DUI, your vehicle will likely be towed and impounded. Towing fees in Arizona typically range from $150 to $300, and impound fees add additional costs, ranging from $15 to $25 per day for storage. If your vehicle is impounded for 30 days, you could end up paying an additional $450 to $750 just to retrieve it.
2. Lost Wages
If you’re convicted of a DUI, you may face jail time, particularly if it’s not your first offense. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation, jail sentences for a first-time DUI charge in Arizona can last 10 days or more, while extreme and super-extreme DUIs carry longer mandatory jail sentences. Second and aggravated DUI convictions can result in over a year of jail time.
During this period, you may lose income from missed workdays, especially if your job doesn’t offer paid time off. Depending on your salary, lost wages can add up quickly and result in a significant financial burden.
3. Job Loss and Career Impact
Beyond lost wages, a DUI conviction can jeopardize your employment. Certain employers have strict policies regarding criminal convictions, and if you drive for work (such as a commercial truck driver), a DUI conviction could lead to the loss of your commercial driver's license and ultimately your job. The long-term career impact of a DUI conviction can vary but could result in missed promotions, difficulty finding new employment, or the need to switch careers altogether.
4. Probation Fees
If you’re placed on probation after a DUI conviction, you may be required to pay supervision fees. These fees can last for the duration of your probation, which may be 6 months to 2 years depending on the case.
Total DUI Costs in Arizona
When you add up all the potential costs of a DUI charge in Arizona, it becomes clear that even a first-time DUI can result in significant financial consequences. The total cost of a DUI in Arizona can range from $9,000 to over $30,000, depending on the specifics of your case. Repeated offenses, aggravated DUI charges, and other complicating factors can result in even higher costs.
Talk to a DUI Lawyer Today
A DUI charge in Arizona isn’t just a legal issue — it’s a financial burden. From fines and fees to insurance hikes and long-term consequences, the costs of a DUI are substantial. If you or a loved one is facing a DUI charge, seek experienced legal counsel from our firm at Faussette and Faussette PLLC in Phoenix, Arizona for help minimizing some of these expenses and protecting your future.