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What are the penalties for a first-offense DUI in Arizona?

Last reviewed 2026-09-03

Quick answer

A first-offense DUI in Arizona is a class 1 misdemeanor under A.R.S. § 28-1381, punishable by at least 10 consecutive days in jail — with probation and suspended sentences unavailable unless the full sentence is served — and a fine of not less than $250. The statute also requires two separate $500 assessments, a certified ignition interlock device if the offense involved alcohol, and completion of an approved traffic survival school course; a judge may suspend all but one day of the jail sentence if the person completes court-ordered alcohol or drug treatment.

A.R.S. § 28-1381

Statute-verified answerEvery citation resolves to Arizona statute text; every figure is checked against its section. Generated by AI, verified by code.
A first-offense DUI conviction in Arizona is a class 1 misdemeanor [1], and the penalties include: - Jail: At least ten consecutive days in jail, with no eligibility for probation or a suspended sentence unless the entire sentence is served [1]. However, at sentencing the judge may suspend all but one day of the sentence if the person completes a court-ordered alcohol or other drug screening, education, evidence-based psychotherapy, or treatment program [1]. - Fine: Not less than $250 [1]. - Assessments: Two separate $500 assessments — one deposited in the prison construction and operations fund and one in the public safety equipment fund [1]. - Ignition interlock: If the violation involved intoxicating liquor, the person must equip any motor vehicle they operate with a certified ignition interlock device [1]. - Traffic survival school: The person must attend and successfully complete an approved traffic survival school course [1]. Repeat offenses within eighty-four months and extreme or aggravated DUI carry higher penalties under other subsections or sections [1][2][6].

Sources

[1]A.R.S. § 28-1381 — Driving or actual physical control while under the influence; trial by jury; presumptions; admissible evidence; sentencing; time limitation; violation; classification; definition
[2]A.R.S. § 28-1382 — Driving or actual physical control while under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor; trial by jury; sentencing; time limitation; violation; classification
[6]A.R.S. § 28-1383 — Aggravated driving or actual physical control while under the influence; county jail program; annual report; violation; classification; definitions

Statutes cited

A.R.S. § 28-1381A.R.S. § 28-1382A.R.S. § 28-1383

Related questions

What is a DUI?

Driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, as defined by Arizona law. Read more →

Is a DUI a felony?

A standard or extreme DUI in Arizona is a class 1 misdemeanor, but an aggravated DUI is a felony. Read more →

What is the legal alcohol limit for a DUI?

Arizona's DUI threshold is a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (0.04 for commercial drivers) within two hours of driving. Read more →

Do I need an ignition interlock device after a DUI?

If your DUI involved alcohol, Arizona law requires you to equip any vehicle you operate with a certified ignition interlock device. Read more →

AI-drafted answer, not attorney-reviewed. Citations verified against azleg.gov. Legal information, not legal advice — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.

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