What Are the Financial Penalties of DUI?

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is negligent, dangerous, and can potentially lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Because driving under the influence (DUI) is so dangerous, those who commit a DUI will face harsh financial penalties for their actions. The penalties of DUI can extend beyond financial and include jail time, affect employment, and lead to license suspension. Today, we will focus on the DUI financial penalties those who are convicted of a DUI in Phoenix, AZ, may face. If you have been accused of a DUI, attorney James E. Novak can look at the details of your case to ensure that you receive a fair trial.

Financial Penalties Will Vary

Under Arizona law, DUI financial penalties will vary based on the particular circumstances of each accused person’s case. Some things that will affect the total amount of financial penalties include driving history, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drug DUI, repeat offenses, a DUI involving an accident, or leaving the scene of an accident involving a DUI.

In addition to fines, those who are convicted of DUI often need to pay fees to reinstate their driver’s license, attorney fees, and suffer a loss of income as a result of missed work due to court appearances, jail time, or termination of employment.

Financial Penalties for a Standard DUI

A standard DUI is classified in the state of Arizona as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of any percentage if the driver is under the age of 21, 0.04% or greater when driving a commercial vehicle, or 0.08% or greater for all other drivers.

The financial penalties for a first-time standard DUI are generally a fine of at least $1,250, but may also include jail time, community service, an ignition interlock for all vehicles, and the completion of alcohol and drug screening and treatment.

In the event of subsequent offenses, financial penalties, as well as other penalties, will increase. Those who are convicted of a subsequent DUI can expect to pay a fine of at least $3,000 and have their license revoked for 12 months along with other penalties.

Financial Penalties for an Extreme DUI

An extreme DUI is classified as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or greater. First time extreme DUI offenders can expect the same penalties as first time standard DUI offenders, with the addition of longer jail time and higher financial penalties. Financial penalties typically start at $2,500.

Those who have committed extreme DUI a second time or more, can expect to lose their licenses for 12 months, spend even more time in jail, and of course pay higher fines. Fines for subsequent extreme DUIs start at $3,250 in the state of Arizona.

Financial Penalties for an Aggravated DUI

Aggravated DUI is the most severe form or DUI and is classified as driving while under the influence with a suspended, revoked, or canceled driver’s license, committing a third DUI offense within 84 months, or committing a DUI while driving with a passenger under the age of 15.

The financial penalties for an aggravated DUI vary significantly and depend on the severity of the DUI. However, those convicted of an aggravated DUI should expect to serve around two years in prison.

Contact the Law Office of James Novak

If you have been accused of a DUI, it’s important to have an attorney experienced in DUI cases on your side. Contact the law office of James Novak to discuss the details of your case.