Posted on July 25, 2025 in DUI

Arizona’s First-Offense Misdemeanor DUI Penalties

A first-time DUI charge in Arizona is a serious offense with strict consequences. The state is known for having some of the toughest impaired driving laws in the country. Even a misdemeanor DUI carries mandatory penalties that can impact your future. 

These may include jail time, license suspension, fines, and the installation of an ignition interlock device. Convictions can also affect employment, insurance rates, and future legal outcomes. If you’ve been arrested for DUI, you should read on to learn about first-time impaired driving charges.

Criminal Penalties for First-Offense DUI

A first-time DUI in Arizona is typically charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the most serious misdemeanor classification in the state. This charge applies when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or more and no aggravating circumstances are present.

Penalties may include: 

• Jail Time: The law requires a minimum of 10 consecutive days in jail. However, 9 of those days may be suspended if the defendant completes a court-ordered alcohol screening and education program, reducing the actual time served to 1 day.
• Fines and Assessments: The fine is typically $1,250, excluding surcharges, court fees, and assessments.
• Alcohol Screening and Counseling: Offenders must complete a mandatory alcohol screening and any recommended education or treatment programs.
• Ignition Interlock Device (IID): After conviction, the driver may be required to install and maintain an IID in any vehicle they operate for at least 12 months. This duration may be shortened under certain conditions.

The court may also impose community service and up to five years of probation for a first-time DUI charge. 

Administrative Penalties (MVD Consequences)

In addition to the criminal penalties imposed by the court, the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) will impose administrative consequences upon DUI arrest and conviction.

Your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days. After the first 30 days, you may qualify for a restricted driver’s license, provided you complete alcohol screening and meet other MVD requirements.

Typically, in order to obtain a restricted license during suspension, you must have an IID installed and maintained, even while serving your administrative penalty.

Aggravating Circumstances

Certain factors can elevate a misdemeanor DUI to more serious charges with enhanced penalties:

• Extreme DUI applies to cases with a BAC of 0.15% to 0.199%. It results in a minimum 30-day jail sentence, increased fines, and longer IID requirements.
• Super Extreme DUI is charged with a BAC of 0.20% or higher, which leads to at least 45 days in jail, steeper fines, and extended IID mandates.

Aggravated DUI (Felony DUI) applies if (1) you are driving on a suspended or revoked license, (2) you have two or more prior DUI convictions within seven years, and (3) you are transporting a minor under age 15 while impaired. An aggravated DUI may result in prison time, long-term license revocation, and substantial probation periods. 

An Experienced Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You Protect Your Rights

Arizona’s DUI laws provide little room for leniency, even for first-time offenders. However, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you protect your rights and avoid the worst consequences of a DUI offense. 

An attorney can help you:

• Seek reduced jail time – First-time offenders often qualify for alternative sentencing, such as home detention or work-release programs.
• Challenge the prosecution’s evidence – Your attorney will investigate whether the traffic stop was lawful and whether field sobriety and chemical tests were correctly administered. They will also examine whether breathalyzers and blood tests were properly calibrated and maintained.
• Represent you at MVD hearings: Your attorney can request and attend a hearing with the Motor Vehicle Division, potentially helping you avoid or delay license suspension.

If you’ve been charged with DUI, you should seek legal counsel right away. 

Contact the Phoenix DUI Lawyers at Orent Law Offices for Help Today

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Phoenix, the consequences can be swift and harsh. But you don’t have to face them alone. The Phoenix DUI attorneys at Orent Law Offices understand Arizona’s DUI laws inside and out. We will work aggressively to build a strong defense, protect your driving privileges, and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

For more information, contact the criminal defense attorney Craig Orent. Give us a call at (480) 656-7301 or visit our law office at 11811 N Tatum Blvd UNIT 3031, Phoenix, AZ 85028. We offer a free case evaluation, so get the help you deserve today.