Anyone arrested for a DUI/DWI in Arizona within 7 years of a previous DUI/DWI conviction will be subject to a second offense DUI in Arizona if convicted. There are two conditions that have to be in place for someone to be charged with a second DUI offense in Arizona:
- They must have a Blood Alcohol Content between 0.08% and 0.149% at the time of arrest
- They must have a previous DUI conviction on their record within the last seven years
The look-back period in Arizona is seven years, which means that a previous DUI conviction will stay on your record for seven years.
Since Arizona DUI laws are very strict, a second drunk driving charge is taken very seriously and it carries harsher penalties and heavier fines.
Possible Penalties For A Second Offense DUI
A second offense regular misdemeanor DUI in Arizona carries a number of possible penalties which are listed below:
- Minimum of 30 days in jail, up to 90 days. There is a possibility to get 60 days of the 90 days suspended if the driver completes Alcohol classes
- Maximum jail sentence of 6 months
- A minimum base fine of $500 up to $2,500
- Alcohol screening that costs $50
- Mandatory Alcohol classes which cost $585
- Fines, Surcharges and Assessments that can cost $3,500
- 1 year suspension of the driver’s license
- Once the driver’s license is reinstated, it is followed by 1 year mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) which costs anywhere between $1,000 – $1,200.
- Probation can last up to 5 years
- Community Service. The driver will be required to perform at least 30 hours of community service and attend driving school
Apart from these fines, fees, and penalties, the driver is also required to have SR-22 Car Insurance Policy for 3 years which costs $500 per year. This is an added expense of $1,500. Car Insurance rates also increase up to $3,000 per year, for 3 years, which add up to a total of $9,000.
All these fines and fees can add up to anywhere from $7,835 without car insurance up to $18,335 with car insurance.
Pleading To A Lesser Conviction
In Arizona, anyone facing a second offense DUI can plead to a lesser conviction. They will need the services of a qualified and experienced DUI defense attorney who can get the penalties reduced after a plea bargain. The driver can also plead not guilty to proceed to trial.
Effects Of A Second Offense DUI
Depending on the circumstances of each case, the outcome for each case will be different. The effects and outcome of a second offense DUI also depend on how strong your defense strategy is. Therefore, it is important to contact a DUI defense attorney in Arizona to defend a second offense DUI charge. Contact the Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan at 480-900-0384 or 602-900-0384 for a Free Initial Consultation.
