Any third-offense DUI within 7 years of a previous DUI is considered an Aggravated DUI. Anyone with two or more DUIs in the last 7 years facing another DUI charge will be facing an Aggravated DUI charge. Moreover, any DUI in which the drivers license is suspended also results in an Aggravated DUI.
An Aggravated DUI offense should never be taken lightly. It is a serious offense and requires the driver to appear in court. Driving on a suspended license and other minor traffic tickets all need to be taken seriously as they also result in an Aggravated DUI. Moreover, driving with a minor in the vehicle while under the influence also results in an Aggravated DUI charge.
Penalties for an Aggravated DUI in Arizona
An Aggravated DUI in Arizona carries a mandatory minimum of four months in prison. The jail sentence cannot be waived, although the fine is normally waived. The offender also has to do substance abuse screening which costs $50 and takes 36 hours, costing a total of $585. The driver also loses their driver’s license for 3 years and they will have to get an ignition interlock device installed on their vehicle, which costs between $2,000 to $2,400 for 2 years.
Drivers facing an Aggravated DUI in Arizona will also be required to obtain an SR-22, which is a special provision in which the driver pays the insurance company to tell the DMV if their insurance lapses. SR-22 costs $500 per year for 3 years. The insurance premium will also go up by $3,000 per year for 3 years. All the penalties and consequences of an Aggravated DUI in Arizona are given as follows:
- Mandatory 4 months in prison
- Substance Abuse Screening and 36 Classes which costs a total of $645 ($50 + $585)
- Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device for 2 years which costs between $2,000 – $2,400
- Driver’s license suspended for 3 years
- SR-22 which costs $500 per year, totaling to $1,500 for 3 years
- Increase in Car Insurance Premiums by $3,000 per year for 3 years
- All these expenses costs total of $13,545, including 4 months in prison and 3 years license revocation
The driver facing an Aggravated DUI is also at a risk of losing their professional license, such as a doctor, nurse, or lawyer. Professionals with an SEC license, such as a real estate agent, government or military employee also risk losing their job if they are convicted of an Aggravated DUI. The driver also loses their right to vote and the right to own a gun.
Attorney Brian Sloan at the Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan has been defending and representing clients facing a DUI charge in Arizona since the last 12 years. If you are facing an Aggravated DUI charge in Arizona, seek professional legal counsel immediately by contacting his office at 480-900-0384 or 602-900-0384 for a Free Initial Consultation.
