Living with a DUI in Arizona

Posted on October 15, 2019 in Firm News

On behalf of Rosenstein Law Group posted in DUI Consequences on Tuesday, October 15, 2019.

Even if you are able to avoid a jail sentence, being convicted of a DUI can change your life. DUI charges can lead to debt, license suspension, attaining good housing and even problems securing employment. No matter what stage in life you receive your conviction, it can lead to problems that ultimately affect your future.

Possible DUI penalties

While all case outcomes will vary, there are some standard regulations involving the penalties that may result in a DUI conviction.

A standard DUI first offense, with a BAC of 0.8+ will often result in up to ten days in jail and up to $1,500 in fines plus more in surcharges.

A first offense considered an extreme DUI, with BAC 0.15 or over could carry 30 days in jail and up to $2,780 in fines plus additional surcharges.

A super extreme DUI first offense, where the BAC is more than 0.20 can result in a 45-day jail sentence and fines up to $3,240 plus additional surcharges.

Subsequent DUI charges will result in longer jail sentences and significantly higher fines.

What are some long-term consequences that a DUI conviction can bring?

Having a DUI conviction on your record can result in a number of complications that can affect various aspects of your life. You may be subject to:

The revocation of your driver’s license: Your driver’s license may be revoked as a consequence of a DUI conviction. This can make transportation to work more difficult and can also put a damper on social activities. When the revocation is lifted, you will have to pay a significant amount in fees to get it reinstated.

A mark on your background check: Many companies will conduct a background check before hiring an applicant. Both felony and misdemeanor DUI convictions will show up on background checks and could ultimately cost you the job. In addition to employers, college financial applications and admissions require background checks, and a DUI can negatively affect your chances of acceptance or acquiring the funding you need to attend.

Loss of your current employment: DUI arrests can result in repeated court dates, community service hours, and even jail time. If addressing these issues results in missed work, you may end up with write-ups, suspensions, or even being dismissed from your position.

Increased auto insurance rates: Drivers who have been convicted of a DUI are considered high-risk by auto insurance companies. This classification can result in insurance rates being doubled or tripled for up to seven years.

DUI convictions can have consequences at any age

While a DUI conviction can seriously affect a young driver starting out in the world, by affecting housing, employment, and college applications along with the increased cost, it can also affect older drivers as well. DUIs can result in exorbitant fines that can cause crippling debt and lead to significant stress in dealing with the outcome. Don’t et the negative consequences of a DUI control your life. If you have been charged with a DUI finding an experienced Arizona attorney can help you fight the charges and achieve the best outcome for your case.