How Much Does a DUI Cost in Arizona?
Getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona is not only stressful but also expensive. Even if it’s a first-time offense, you can expect thousands of dollars in fines, fees, and related expenses. Ultimately, the total cost in these cases goes far beyond what the court imposes and can affect your finances for years.
If you are facing DUI charges, it helps to know what these costs include and why they add up so quickly. Read on for more information, and schedule a free consultation with an attorney if you need legal help.
Arizona DUI Fines and Court Fees
The law sets mandatory minimum penalties for DUIs, and they can rise depending on things like your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) and prior criminal history.
For a first DUI with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, you may be ordered to pay:
- A base fine of at least $1,250
- Surcharges and additional fees ordered by the court
- Jail costs if you are sentenced to serve time
If your BAC is 0.15 or above, you can be charged with an extreme DUI. The fines for an extreme DUI increase sharply, starting around $2,500, with more surcharges added. For aggravated DUIs, the costs are even higher and may include lengthy jail terms or prison time.
Additional Costs Beyond the Courtroom
The fine is only the beginning. A DUI conviction triggers other financial consequences that most people do not expect.
You may also need to cover:
- Towing and impound fees for your car
- The cost of an ignition interlock device, which includes installation and monthly monitoring fees
- Alcohol education or treatment programs that are required under Arizona law
- License reinstatement fees after your suspension ends
- Insurance costs that remain much higher for years after your conviction
In some cases, the ignition interlock device alone can cost more than $1,000 by the time you finish the required period. Education programs and license fees can add hundreds of dollars more as well.
Insurance Premium Increases
Insurance is one of the most expensive long-term consequences of a DUI. Once convicted, you will likely be classified as a high-risk driver, and your insurance company could raise your premiums by thousands of dollars each year as a result.
For many drivers, these higher rates last three to five years. Over time, this increase can cost far more than the original fine.
The Impact on Employment and Everyday Life
The cost of a DUI is not always measured in dollars alone. A conviction goes on your criminal record, which may affect your ability to find or keep a job. For people who need to drive for work, such as commercial drivers, a DUI can end a career altogether.
You may also face professional consequences if your job requires licensing or background checks. Combined with the financial burden, these consequences make a DUI one of the most serious charges for many people to face.
How Hiring a Lawyer Can Actually Save You Money
It may seem strange to think of hiring a lawyer as a way to save money, but in DUI cases it often is. A skilled defense attorney can examine the evidence against you and negotiate with the prosecution early on in the process. In many cases, this can mean lower fines and fewer long-term consequences.
Trying to handle a DUI on your own may leave you with the maximum penalties, which could end up costing far more in the long run.
Contact the Tucson DUI Defense Lawyers at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys for Help Today
A DUI in Arizona can easily cost thousands of dollars once fines, court fees, insurance hikes, and related expenses are added up. The long-term financial impact often far exceeds the immediate penalties, making it all the more important to have an experienced lawyer on your side from the beginning.
An experienced Tucson DUI defense attorney at Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you fight back against the charges and work toward an early dismissal if at all possible. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Katsarelis Law Criminal Defense Attorneys
177 N Church Ave # 900, Tucson, AZ 85701
(520) 510-0439