Arizona imposes mandatory penalties for all DUI types whether alcohol or drugs. Higher BAC levels or aggravated circumstances mean harsher consequences.

Standard DUI (BAC 0.08%–0.149% or Impaired to the Slightest Degree)

• Jail: 1–10 days
• Fines/Fees: $1,500+
• License: 90-day suspension
• Interlock: 6–12 months

Extreme DUI (BAC 0.150%–0.199%)

• Jail: Minimum 30 days
• Fines/Fees: $2,500+
• License: 90-day suspension
• Interlock: 12 months

Super Extreme DUI (BAC 0.20% or higher)

• Jail: Minimum 45 days
• Fines/Fees: $3,000+
• License: 90-day suspension
• Interlock: 18 months

Drug DUI (Any Illegal Drug, Prescription Drug Misuse, or Marijuana Impairment)

• Jail: 1–10 days
• Fines/Fees: $1,500+
• License: 90-day suspension
• Interlock: Required if any alcohol impairment is alleged
• Other: No legal “limit”—any measurable drug + impairment may result in charges

Aggravated DUI (Felony)

• Jail/Prison: Up to 2.5 years or more
• Fines/Fees: $4,000+
• License: 1-year revocation
• Interlock: 24+ months
• Other: Felony record, probation, possible vehicle impoundment

The first step in many DUI cases is analyzing the legality of the traffic stop. Law enforcement must have reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If this standard was not met, we will file a motion to suppress any evidence obtained during the stop, which can lead to your case being dismissed. 

Let me guess?  Your Implied Consent form states that the officer made observations like “bloodshot, watery eyes,” “odor of alcohol,” or “slurred speech” to justify further testing and arrest.

This is standard for them to say, but they need more!

Field sobriety tests, such as walking in a straight line or standing on one leg, are often used by officers to determine if a driver is impaired. However, these THESE TESTS CAN BE UNRELIABLE, especially if they were administered incorrectly or under unfavorable conditions like poor lighting, uneven surfaces, or bad weather. Additionally, factors such as fatigue, nervousness, or medical conditions can affect a person’s ability to perform these tasks, even when they are not impaired. Another issue we investigate is whether the officer administering the test was properly trained and certified to do so.

If the officer lacked certification or failed to follow standardized procedures, we can argue that the results are invalid. At Arizona Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers, we closely examine how the field sobriety tests were conducted and whether the officer was qualified, using these details to challenge the prosecution’s case and protect your rights.

Breathalyzer and blood tests are NOT PERFECT. If there were issues with the administration of the test or if the testing equipment was not properly calibrated, the accuracy of the BAC results can be called into question. Arizona DUI laws require that testing equipment be regularly maintained and properly administered. Arizona Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers requests all maintenance records and evaluates whether proper procedures were followed.

Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or acid reflux, can lead to falsely elevated BAC results. Individuals with these conditions may have high levels of acetone in their breath, which can be mistaken for alcohol by a breathalyzer. This defense can be effective in cases where the BAC reading doesn’t match the driver’s level of impairment.

Probable Cause means that police officers must have a GOOD reason to believe someone is breaking the law before they can make an arrest. In a DUI case, the officer must see signs that the driver is impaired in addition to swerving, slurred speech, or the smell of alcohol.

If the officer didn’t have enough evidence to arrest you, Arizona Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers will argue that the arrest was not legal. This could result in the case being dismissed. Having an experienced attorney from Arizona Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers review whether the officer had probable cause can make a big difference in the outcome of your DUI case.

Under Arizona DUI laws, if a driver is arrested and questioned WITHOUT being read their Miranda rights, the defense can argue that any statements made during the interrogation are inadmissible in court. This can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case when any statements would be used to help prove impairment.

For cases where blood samples were taken, the prosecution MUST be able to prove that the sample was properly handled and stored throughout the testing process. If there is any break in the chain of custody, the defense can argue that the results may have been tampered with or are otherwise unreliable.  Arizona Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers is equipped to analyze the blood results and chain of custody.