Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. The state separates DUI into three tiers based on blood-alcohol content, and each tier carries its own mandatory jail minimum that even first offenders cannot avoid. Knowing the tier you're charged under is the first step in understanding what you're facing.
First offense under ARS §28-1381: minimum 10 days jail (9 can be suspended with interlock and counseling), $1,250+ in fines and assessments, 90-day license suspension, and ignition interlock for 12 months.
Under ARS §28-1382, first-offense Extreme DUI: minimum 30 days jail (no good behavior credits), at least $2,500 in fines, ignition interlock for 18 months, and full 90-day license suspension.
Same statute, even harsher: minimum 45 days jail on a first offense, fines starting around $3,250, and ignition interlock for 24 months. Repeat offenders see jail minimums in the 6-month range.
Driving on a suspended license, a third DUI in 7 years, or DUI with a passenger under 15 elevates the charge to Aggravated DUI — a felony under ARS §28-1383 with 4-month minimum prison terms.
An MVD administrative hearing must be requested within 15 days of arrest to challenge the automatic license suspension. Miss it and the suspension takes effect regardless of how the criminal case ends.
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NotALawyer.com provides general legal information, not legal advice.