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Consequences For Subsequent DUI Offenders In Arizona

Potential Penalties For a Repeat DUI Offense

Even for a first time offense, the penalties in Arizona for driving under the influence (DUI) are serious and will follow you for many years. These include penalties and inconveniences such as fines, jail time, and restrictions of your driving privileges. Similar to other convictions, the penalties for subsequent or repeat DUI convictions become increasingly severe. If you are facing a DUI charge, you’ll want to hire experienced Mesa DUI defense attorneys as soon as possible to defend your case.

What Are The Consequences Of Subsequent DUI Convictions?

After an Arizona driver is charged and convicted of a first time DUI offense, the time period in which that driver is at risk of subsequent DUI penalties is a period of 84 months/7 years. After that time frame, a DUI conviction will be considered a first time offense and not penalized as a subsequent offense.

If convicted, a repeat or subsequent DUI offense is punishable by the following penalties under Arizona state law:

A minimum or 30 days of jail time. Up to 180 days in jail may be ordered by the judge; a second offense typically receives a jail sentence that exceeds the 30 day minimum.
Required installation of an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, which is expensive and inconvenient.
Fines and court fees that exceed $3000.
Suspension of your driver’s license for 12 months.
Mandatory alcohol and drug screening, education, and treatment programs as ordered by the judge.
Mandated community service.

Many of these penalties will also apply to a first time DUI conviction, but the fines and jail time will become more severe with repeat offenses. In comparison, a first time DUI offense is typically penalized with a fine of $1250 and only 10 days in jail.

Third and further subsequent DUI offenses will carry additional penalties in Arizona. In addition to the ignition interlock requirement, driver’s license suspension, and mandatory drug screening and treatment consequences, the minimum jail time is increased to four months. A longer term in jail is very common. Additionally, the mandatory fines and fees are increased to at least $4000, and may potentially be ordered to be even higher. Your Phoenix DUI defense lawyers will represent you throughout the process and work to have your charges reduced.

Felony Consequences

It’s important to realize that first and second DUI convictions are misdemeanors, but third and subsequent DUI offenses are classified as felonies. Beyond the initial penalties, felony convictions carry significant and lasting consequences, including the following:

Loss of the right to own a firearm
Loss of the right to vote
Ineligible for serving in the armed forces
Challenges finding employment and securing housing
Disrupted relationships and social life
Potential for changes or loss of child custody and visitation rights

These are just some of the lasting – and sometimes permanent – consequences associated with subsequent DUI convictions. Their severity highlights the urgency for a skilled Gilbert DUI lawyer who can defend your legal rights and guide you through the court process.

Legal Defense Of a Subsequent DUI Charge In Arizona

Arizona drivers who are charged with a second, third, or subsequent DUI offense should know that they have an uphill legal battle ahead of them. In most cases, states and judges come down hard on repeat DUI offenders. This is because states have an interest in reducing the dangers of drinking and driving, which extend to all drivers and passengers on the roads and not just intoxicated drivers themselves. Arizona is no exception to this precedent; in fact, legal experts believe that Arizona has some of the most stringent laws in the nation regarding DUI offenses.

A Mesa DUI law office with a strong history of success in DUI cases is imperative for anyone facing these charges. Your attorney will explore all of the legal avenues available to defend and challenge a DUI charge so that you can receive the best possible defense. Even though subsequent DUI charges are serious, you’ll need to be proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in order to be convicted and penalized. But even if the basic facts are not in doubt, a good Mesa DUI attorney will work hard on your behalf to have your charges or punishments reduced and to defend your rights.

Contact Experienced DUI Defense In Mesa

At My AZ Lawyers, we understand the significance of subsequent DUI charges and how they affect your future. Our legal team will work tirelessly to provide quality and effective defense on your behalf. We have a track record of success! Schedule your no-obligation consultation today.