First Time DUI Penalties in Mesa
If this is the first time you have ever been arrested for a DUI, you are probably wondering whether you will have to serve any time in jail, whether your driver's license will be suspended and what types of fines/fees and other costs you might be subject to if you are convicted.
The penalties for a 1st time DUI offense (within 84 months), a Class 1 Misdemeanor, will depend upon your blood alcohol content (BAC):
Jail Time
If you are impaired to the slightest degree (<0.08), or if you are at a 0.08 or greater (but less than 0.15), or if this is a drug based DUI, the minimum jail time is 10 days. If you are at 0.15 or greater (but less than 0.20), the minimum jail time is 30 days. If you are at 0.20 or greater, the minimum jail time is 45 days.
A Judge can reduce the minimum jail time from 10 days down to 1 day upon completion of court order drug/alcohol screening and treatment (for standard offenders); reduce the minimum jail time from 30 days down to 9 days (for Extreme DUI's); and reduce the minimum jail time from 45 days down to 14 days (for Super Extreme DUI's) if the driver installs/maintains an ignition interlock device for a period of 12 months.
Fees/Fines/Assessments
The fines, fees and assessments for a 1st Time DUI offense (within 84 months) will also depend upon your blood alcohol content (BAC):
If you are Impaired to the slightest degree, or at a 0.08 or greater (but less than 0.15), or drug based DUI the fees/fines are $1,529.10; if you are a 0.15 or greater (Extreme DUI) the fees/fines are $2,779.10; if you are at a 0.20 or greater (Super Extreme DUI) the fees/fines are $3,236.60.
Other costs include jail costs, ignition interlock costs, cost for alcohol screening and classes, SR-22 car insurance policy and increased insurance premiums which can add up very quickly into several thousand dollars.
Driver's License Suspension/Ignition Interlock
Your driver's license will be suspended for 90 days on 1st Time DUI offenses and there will also be a 12-month requirement for installing an ignition interlock device in your vehicle.
Other Penalties
Other penalties after a 1st Time DUI conviction include completion of alcohol or drug screening and education programs and to participate in the Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Impact Panel.
Given the onerous penalties – including jail time and all the other costs involved – you should seek an experienced and competent Mesa DUI Attorney to fight your case and ensure the best outcome possible in your case.
Having defended countless individuals facing DUI charges in the Mesa Municipal Court, Attorney Trent Buckallew has extensive knowledge and experience in litigating DUI cases and reaching favorable resolutions on behalf of his clients. Mr. Buckallew is one of a very small percentage of attorneys in the Valley who has achieved Board Certification as a Criminal and DUI Specialist, which is an extremely rigorous process for attorneys. Certification requires support from judges, peers and opposing counsel, demonstration of superior knowledge, skill, integrity and professionalism, a written examination among other specific requirements set forth by the AZ State Bar.
Contact the Firm today for a free evaluation of your 1st Time Mesa DUI case.
**This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact the Firm to schedule a consultation regarding your case.