Arizona’s DUI Laws: What You Need to Know

Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. Whether it’s your first offense or a repeat charge, a conviction can lead to jail time, heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, mandatory alcohol education, and long-term impacts on your employment and insurance. That’s why it’s critical to understand what DUI means under Arizona law—and how to defend against it.

Under A.R.S. § 28-1381, it is illegal to operate a vehicle in Arizona while impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol, drugs, or any combination thereof. You can also be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving. For commercial drivers, the threshold is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any measurable BAC can lead to a charge.

Arizona recognizes several classifications of DUI based on the driver’s BAC and circumstances of the offense:
– Standard DUI: BAC of 0.08% or more (0.04% for commercial drivers)
– Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.15% or higher
– Super Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.20% or higher
– Drug DUI: Driving while impaired by prescription or illicit drugs
– Aggravated DUI: Felony DUI based on repeat offenses, suspended license, or child passenger

Even a first-time DUI carries mandatory jail time, typically 10 consecutive days (though some may be suspended upon completion of alcohol screening and treatment), plus fines of over $1,250, license suspension, and a requirement to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle for 12 months.

Extreme and Super Extreme DUI charges increase the penalties significantly:
– Extreme DUI: Minimum 30-day jail sentence, over $2,500 in fines, and 12+ months of IID use
– Super Extreme DUI: Minimum 45-day jail sentence, over $3,000 in fines, and 18+ months of IID use

If you’re convicted of Aggravated DUI, you could face felony charges, including years in prison, lengthy license revocations, mandatory drug/alcohol counseling, and extended probation or parole conditions.

DUI convictions also come with hidden costs, including increased insurance premiums, potential job loss (especially for those with driving-related duties), travel restrictions, and a permanent mark on your criminal record.

Fortunately, DUI charges are defensible. Common strategies include:
– Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
– Disputing the accuracy or calibration of breath/blood testing devices
– Questioning the officer’s training or procedure
– Presenting alternative explanations for symptoms of impairment

At Molina Law Group, we understand the high stakes involved in a DUI case. We act quickly to protect your driving privileges, investigate every detail of the stop and arrest, and negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing. We also represent clients at MVD hearings to fight license suspension.

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Arizona, don’t wait. Contact Molina Law Group today for a free consultation and let us help you fight for your freedom and future.