Second Offense DUI in Arizona

If it has been 7 years or less since your first DUI in Arizona (the lookback period), and you have been accused of a second DUI, you should not be surprised to find that the penalties are more serious than before. In order to have a chance of avoiding harsh sentences, such as jail time and high fines, you will need the help of a lawyer. Find out the typical consequences if you are not convinced of the importance of legal representation.

Criminal Penalties for a Second DUI in Arizona

In Arizona, a second offense of driving under the influence is considered a misdemeanor. Even so, you will typically get at least 90 days in jail, with a maximum of 6 months. The maximum is not usually imposed, and a lawyer is likely to be able to keep this punishment as minor as possible.

Fines for a second DUI in Arizona range from $500 to $2,500, so be prepared to pay at least something if you are caught drinking and driving. However, a straightforward fine is just the beginning when it comes to expenses from a DUI. This is because you will have to install an ignition interlock device in your car for a year, requiring you to measure your blood alcohol level before the car starts. It costs about $1,000 for this mandatory tool. While this sounds harsh, you will not have to worry about this cost at first, because you can expect to lose your license for a year.

Administrative Penalties

Though fines, jail time and the loss of your driver's license all sound severe, there are several other penalties that are equally harsh, at least when added up. For example, you will probably need to do at least 30 hours of community service in your Arizona city. If you think your calendar is becoming full now, wait until you pencil in the alcohol class you will likely be required to take.

Once you are done with these penalties for your second DUI in Arizona, you will need to work on reinstating your driver's license. This usually involves paying some fees and then going to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Finally, you may be put on probation for up to five years, though this is rarely supervised.

Plea Options

If you want to avoid the consequences of a second DUI in Arizona, your best bet is to get an attorney. Unless you plan to plead guilty and accept full punishment, you should get a lawyer. A legal professional can persuade the judge to offer the lowest amount of punishment available, and can even get some cases thrown out entirely. While in Arizona you cannot plead the accusation down to a lesser conviction, you and your lawyer can create an attractive plea bargain to get your penalties reduced. You also have the option of pleading not guilty, resulting in a trial to determine your innocence. Either way, seek a lawyer's advice.