DUI Consequences

August 13, 2024

The True Costs of a DUI in Arizona: Financial and Legal Implications

Facing a DUI in Arizona means more than legal trouble; expect hefty fines, license suspension, and increased insurance costs. Learn the true financial and legal impact.

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Kirsten Andersen

Recovery Writer and Advocate

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Last Update on August 20, 2024

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A DUI charge in Arizona may be emotionally and financially life-changing. The average cost of a DUI in the state of Arizona at times can be overwhelming, running into thousands of dollars.

The financial impact of a DUI involves many factors that add to the overall cost, from legal fees and insurance premium increases to mandatory education programs and possible job loss.

The average cost of a DUI in Arizona may vary between $5,000 and $20,000, depending on how severe the offense has gone. It includes legal fees of $2,500 to $10,000, fines starting at $1,500 and going up as high as is allowed for the offense, and enhanced insurance premiums of several thousand dollars over time. ¹

In Arizona, the fines are more expensive since its DUI laws are more rigid. For example, while a first-time DUI offense in Arizona can carry fines starting at $1,500, in another state, it’s not that much. In addition to this, higher fines in Arizona pertain to an Extreme DUI offense if the BAC is over 0.15% and a Super Extreme DUI offense if it exceeds 0.20%.

Yes, it can, mostly in jobs that involve driving or require you to have a clean record. Most employers will view a DUI as a liability for the company and may hand down disciplinary action, suspension, or even termination. Those at risk are jobs that involve driving, like commercial driving. Mandatory additional sanctions or requirements initiated by particular professions for which one needs particular licenses or certification—health, law, and financial services, amongst others—could follow from a DUI conviction.

DUI Costs in Arizona and Specific Factors

The costs of a DUI can vary significantly, but in Arizona, the penalties are notably severe. The state’s tough stance on impaired driving is reflected in the financial repercussions you face.

In Arizona, the base fine for a first-time DUI offense is around $1,500. You’ll also need to cover court fees, which can range from $500 to $2,000.

Legal fees for hiring a DUI attorney can add another $2,500 to $5,000 to your expenses. Then there are additional costs, such as alcohol education classes, and an ignition interlock device, which may cost $1,000 to install and maintain over a year. ²

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How Much Does a DUI Cost

The costs of a DUI can differ to a great degree, although in the state of Arizona, they are pretty severe. ³ Surely, the first fine does not look too overwhelming, but after adding up the rest, it will clearly show how large the financial burden is.

Hiring a DUI attorney can be rather expensive, but it is mostly necessary for enabling one to go through the complexity of the DUI laws and also for lessening the charged offenses. On average, the costs of a DUI attorney in Arizona will range from $2,500 to $5,000. Fees could increase to as much as $10,000 or more if the case is very complex and goes to trial. These will include consultation, appearing in court, case preparation, and any negotiation with the prosecution.

The purpose of DUI fines and penalties in Arizona is to punish the offender and deter other people from committing such crimes. If you are charged with your first DUI offense, your base fine is likely to be $1,500. With other charges added, this can run into much larger amounts. The fines could be much more if your BAC were grossly higher than the legal limit, in case you got into an accident, or if there were minors in the vehicle. Those who are repeat offenders face steeper fines that sometimes double or triple the initial amounts.

One of the most long-lasting financial consequences of a DUI is increased insurance premiums. Insurance rates can increase by up to 100 percent or more following an Arizona DUI conviction. The reason this is so varies because you fall into a high-risk category after such a conviction. That could translate into an average $1,500 to $3,000 year-over-year increase in insurance costs. This higher rate can persist for many years and can easily add thousands of dollars to the total costs of your DUI.

The long-term costs of a DUI do not end with legal fees, fines, and higher insurance premiums. Other expenses you should be aware of include:

Court Fees: anywhere from $500 up to $2,000.
Alcohol Education Programs: The mandated DUI education classes will cost you an additional $500 to $1,000.
Ignition Interlock Device: could cost you as much as $1,000 a year to install and maintain one.
License Reinstatement Fees: This can cost you an additional $100 or so.
Alternative Transportation

Quick Tip

Attend a DUI Education Program

These classes are provided for education on the risks associated with impaired driving and, more importantly, strategies for making safer choices. Sometimes completion of a course can result in reduced penalties and show the court that you are accepting responsibility for your actions.

Factors Influencing DUI Costs

Several factors can greatly affect the overall costs of a DUI in Arizona. Knowing these factors will help you understand what kind of financial burden could be in your future and the degree of some of the penalties you may be facing.

The most important factor is how high your blood alcohol content was at the time of your arrest. The higher your BAC level in Arizona, the more severe your penalties will be. For example, with a BAC over 0.15%, you could face an “Extreme DUI” charge. Such a charge increases the fines, minimizes the mandatory jail time, and also escalates the costs of the alcohol education programs. If your BAC was over 0.20%, you could face a “Super Extreme DUI” charge, which again further escalates the fines and penalties.⁴

If you have prior DUI convictions, the costs of a DUI and penalties will be through the roof. A second or third DUI offense may mean drastically heftier fines, more jail time, and lengthier required alcohol education programs—on top of the requirement to install an ignition interlock device for a longer period of time. Repeat offenders are also at risk of receiving harsher penalties from judges who could grant maximum fines and additional hours of community service.

If you drive drunk and get into an accident, you could face severe financial implications. Apart from the ordinary fines and penalties for DUI, you might be held liable for damages arising from such an accident. This includes but is not limited to medical bills for the injured, damage or replacement to property damaged in the accident, or even civil lawsuits. Aggravating circumstances, such as striking a pedestrian or causing a multi-vehicle collision, can make the charge a felony with much greater fines and longer jail sentences.

There are several other aggravating circumstances in the case of a DUI that can enhance the prospective costs and penalties. Some of these are minor children being present in the vehicle at the time of arrest, driving on a suspended or revoked license, or fleeing the scene. All these can amount to additional charges, higher fines, and enhanced penalties—all of which increase the financial cost further.

Got a DUI? Learn about our DUI screenings and classes in Arizona!

Long-Term Financial Impact

The overall financial impact of a DUI in Arizona goes beyond the simple, immediate costs of fines, legal fees, and increased insurance premiums.

There are long-term financial implications that relate to several areas of your life and ultimately mean continuous economic problems.

A DUI charge may have serious consequences for your employment. Many employers look into the background of the employee, and a DUI on record may signal danger. This is particularly true when your job requires a clean driving record or involves driving. You are susceptible to disciplinary action, suspension, and even termination. There’s also a chance you might find it very difficult to get new employment simply because potential employers will view this as a liability.

Probably one of the most important long-term financial consequences is an increase in your auto insurance premiums. Your insurance rates may double or triple after a DUI conviction. This will happen because insurance companies then classify you as a high-risk driver. The higher premiums can stay in effect for years, sometimes even adding thousands of dollars to your overall financial burden. Some will flatly refuse to renew your policy, forcing you to seek more expensive, high-risk insurance coverage.

Some professions require special licenses or certifications that a DUI conviction can threaten. For example, commercial drivers, health professionals, and legal professionals might suffer disciplinary actions from their licensing boards, which include suspension, revocation, or other requirements to maintain licensure. Possible loss of professional licensure may translate into loss of employment and significant financial hardship.

Arrested for DUI in Arizona?

Cornerstone offers a lifeline with certified DUI classes and screenings—take the first step towards putting this behind you.

Reducing DUI Costs

Although the financial burden of a DUI charge or conviction is very expensive, there are ways you can reduce the effect. Early addressing of charges and complying with the legal requirements reduce part of the expenses that go with them.

Seek Legal Representation
Comply with Court Requirements
Compare Insurance Quotes
Alternative Transportation
Financial Planning and Budgeting

Any person who may potentially drive under the influence needs to understand the comprehensive costs of a DUI in Arizona. It’s not just the legal penalties you have to worry about; the financial repercussions can reverberate for years.

Key Takeaways

A DUI can cost between $5,000 and $20,000.
Legal fees, fines, and increased insurance premiums are major expenses.
The long-term impact of a DUI can affect employment and credit scores.
Costs vary by state and specific factors related to the offense.
Proactive measures can help mitigate some of the financial burdens.

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Author & Reviewers

LIONEL ESTRADA

CLINICAL DIRECTOR & REVIEWER

Lionel is the Clinical Director of Cornerstone’s Scottsdale treatment facilities. He has had over 4 years at Cornerstone. He is personally in recovery and passionate about helping others overcome substance abuse and mental health challenges; he is trained as an EMDR, adopting a trauma-informed approach to treat the underlying issues.

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