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← Back to HomeArrested for DUI in Arizona? What Happens Next
Free, step-by-step Arizona DUI guide: your license deadline, the court process, penalties, and how to get back on the road. Not legal advice.
⚠️ CRITICAL: Arizona's 30-Day Rule
You have 30 days from the date on your suspension notice to request an MVD hearing. If you don't, the suspension becomes final 30 days after it was served. This is separate from your criminal case.
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Get Your Answers NowYour Arizona DUI Journey
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- •You were arrested for DUI — Arizona can charge you even if BAC is UNDER 0.08% ('impaired to the slightest degree')
- •Officer took your license and served a suspension notice (you have 30 days to request a hearing)
- ⚠️ You have 30 DAYS to request an MVD hearing in WRITING
- •Mail to: Executive Hearing Office, ADOT, P.O. Box 2100, MD 507M, Phoenix, AZ 85001
- •Write down everything you remember about the arrest
- •Know your DUI level: Standard (0.08-0.149%), Extreme (0.15-0.199%), Super Extreme (0.20%+)
- •Arizona has MANDATORY jail even for first offense — consider hiring an attorney
- •This is SEPARATE from your criminal case — handled by Arizona MVD
- •An Administrative Law Judge reviews: probable cause, proper implied consent, BAC evidence
- •You can cross-examine the arresting officer
- •Win: keep your license (criminal case continues separately)
- •Lose: 90-day Admin Per Se suspension begins
- •After 30 days of suspension, you may qualify for restricted driving permit
- •Restricted permit: work, school, medical, treatment driving only
- •Arizona is an ALL-OFFENDER IID state — interlock required for all DUI convictions
- •Timeline: Arraignment → Pre-trial → Trial or Plea → Sentencing
- •Arizona prosecutors rarely reduce DUI charges — this is a strict state
- •The 'shelter rule' defense: if you were sleeping in your car to avoid driving, this may be a defense
- •'Impaired to the Slightest Degree' means you can be convicted even below 0.08% BAC
- •Possible outcomes: dismissal (rare), trial, plea with negotiated sentencing
- •Third DUI within 7 years = FELONY (Aggravated DUI)
Arizona DUI Penalties
* Arizona has mandatory jail for ALL DUI convictions. All offenses require IID installation.
- •Mandatory jail time (even first offense): 10 days standard (9 suspended), 30 days extreme, 45 days super extreme
- •Alcohol/drug screening and treatment programs required
- •Ignition Interlock Device: 6-24 months depending on offense level
- •Cost: $70-150/month plus installation
- •SR-22 Insurance: required for 3 years if criminal conviction
- •Costs $1,300-$3,800+/year extra
- •Victim Impact Panel, community service, fines up to $2,750+
- •Getting your license back: complete all requirements, pay reinstatement fees, visit MVD
- •Arizona does NOT allow DUI expungement — conviction is permanent
- •Arizona allows 'set aside' (similar to dismissal) after completing all terms
- •Set aside doesn't erase the conviction but shows rehabilitation
- •Prior for sentencing: 7-year lookback period
- •Insurance impact: rates elevated 3-7 years
- •Criminal record: permanent (but can be set aside)
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