Regular DUI

What Are the Different Levels of DUI in Arizona?

Arizona has four types of misdemeanor DUI charges, each carrying different legal consequences:

Impaired to the Slightest Degree DUI – You can be charged with this offense even if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is below 0.08, as long as an officer believes you were impaired to any extent.

Legal Limit DUI – If your BAC is 0.08 or above, Arizona law presumes impairment, allowing the state to charge you with DUI.

Extreme DUI – A DUI charge escalates to Extreme DUI when BAC reaches 0.15 or higher, resulting in enhanced penalties.

Super Extreme DUI – The most serious misdemeanor DUI charge in Arizona, applied when BAC is 0.20 or above, carrying the harshest penalties.

Police often stack charges, meaning a person charged with a Super Extreme DUI may also face all lesser DUI charges on the same citation.

A regular DUI conviction (BAC between 0.08 and 0.149) carries:

  • Fines and fees: Approximately $1,600
  • Jail time: 10 days (9 days can be suspended with substance abuse treatment)
  • Probation: Up to 5 years
  • Ignition Interlock Device: Required for up to 12 months (may be eligible for removal after 6 months)
  • License suspension: 90 days to 1 year
  • Traffic survival school (TSS) requirement

A second DUI within 7 years results in significantly harsher penalties.

Second Regular DUI (BAC 0.08-0.149):

  • Fines and fees: Approximately $3,500
  • Jail time: 90 days (60 days can be suspended with treatment)
  • License revocation: 1 year
  • Probation: Up to 5 years
  • Community service: 30 hours

Beyond the court-imposed penalties, a DUI conviction can have lasting effects, including:

  • Increased insurance rates – A DUI can cause a significant spike in auto insurance premiums.
  • Employment challenges – A conviction may appear on background checks, affecting job opportunities, particularly in fields requiring a clean driving record.
  • Professional license issues – Some industries, such as healthcare, law, and transportation, may impose disciplinary actions.
  • Travel restrictions – Certain countries, including Canada, have strict entry policies for those with DUI convictions.

DUI Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) or “Pen” Test

  • Officers move a pen side to side while observing eye movement for involuntary jerking (nystagmus).
  • This test is often unreliable due to poor lighting, distractions, or pre-existing medical conditions.

Walk-and-Turn Test

  • The suspect walks heel-to-toe along a straight line, turns, and walks back.
  • Balance issues, road conditions, or nerves can negatively affect performance.

One-Leg Stand Test

  • The suspect stands on one leg while counting aloud.
  • Many factors (medical conditions, road surface, flashing lights) can impact test results.

How an Arizona DUI Lawyer Can Help

A DUI charge does not automatically mean a conviction. Our experienced DUI lawyers at R&R Law Group analyze every aspect of your case, including:

  • Challenging the Traffic Stop – If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion to pull you over, evidence may be inadmissible.
  • Breath & Blood Test Accuracy – DUI testing equipment must be properly calibrated and administered correctly.
  • Violation of Rights – If officers failed to follow proper arrest procedures or neglected to read your Miranda Rights, your case may be weakened. 

Contact an Arizona DUI Lawyer Today

DUI penalties in Arizona are among the toughest in the nation. If you are facing charges, don’t wait—secure strong legal representation immediately. The R&R Law Group offers aggressive DUI defense strategies to protect your rights and minimize penalties.

📞 Call us today for a free consultation!

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