Driving under the influence of alcohol creates incredibly dangerous situations across Arizona roadways. In 2022, we can see that there were more than 5,400 total alcohol-related collisions across the state, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. These incidents led to more than 3,500 injuries, and 223 individuals lost their lives.
Our state has aggressive DUI laws that every driver should be aware of before they hit the roadway and certainly before they consider consuming alcohol.
Arizona DUI Levels
In Arizona, there are a few levels of DUI that individuals should be aware of. This includes a traditional DUI, a Super Extreme DUI, and a Super Extreme DUI.
- DUI in Arizona. Reserved for situations where a blood alcohol level is .08 percent or more within two hours of driving. Also to include impairment by substances other than alcohol. Individuals can receive a DUI with an illegal narcotic in their body even if they are not impaired.
- Mandatory jail time: 1-day minimum, with 9 days potentially suspended
- Several charges, including fines, surcharges, and assessments
- Approximate cost per day for jail: around $70, subject to variation
- Administrative fee for installment payments (if permitted): $20
- Required use of ignition interlock device post-MVD suspension: 6 to 12 months minimum
- Community service or restitution: Determined based on the judge’s discretion
- Continuous monitoring for alcohol usage: Subject to the judge’s discretion
- Extreme DUI in Arizona. Reserved for situations where a person’s blood alcohol level is between .15% and .199% within two hours of driving. Also to include impairment of other substances as mentioned above.
- Mandatory jail time: 1-day minimum, with 9 days potentially suspended
- Financial charges, including fines, surcharges, and assessments
- Approximate cost per day for jail: around $70, subject to variation
- Administrative fee for installment payments (if permitted): $20
- Required use of ignition interlock device post-MVD suspension: 6 to 12 months minimum
- Community service or restitution: Determined based on the judge’s discretion
- Continuous monitoring for alcohol usage: Subject to the judge’s discretion
- Super Extreme DUI in Arizona. This is reserved for situations where a person’s blood alcohol level is .20% or above within two hours of driving. This also includes impairment of other substances mentioned above.
- Mandatory jail time: 1-day minimum, with 9 days potentially suspended
- Monetary charges, including fines, surcharges, and assessments
- Approximate cost per day for jail: around $70, subject to variation
- Administrative fee for installment payments (if permitted): $20
- Required use of ignition interlock device post-MVD suspension: 6 to 12 months minimum
- Community service or restitution: Determined based on the judge’s discretion
- Continuous monitoring for alcohol usage: Subject to the judge’s discretion
These are just the violations for a first-offense conviction. Individuals who are charged with second or third DUIs within a specific time frame will receive much harsher penalties upon conviction.
Contact an Attorney After a Vehicle Accident
If you or somebody you know or care about has been injured in an accident caused by an alleged impaired driver, please reach out to a specialized Phoenix car accident attorney immediately. When you have an Phoenix drunk driving accident lawyer by your side, you will have a legal advocate to fully investigate your claim and help you recover the compensation you need. This could include coverage of your medical expenses, property damage costs, lost income, and even your pain and suffering.