For those who already have been convicted of a crime, they are likely already aware of the collateral consequences of a criminal conviction. For those without experience in the criminal justice system, the collateral consequences of a conviction can be far worse than those prescribed by law.

What Are Collateral Consequences?

Collateral consequences are the additional penalties that stem from a criminal conviction other than probation, fines, or time spent in jail or prison. Some draw a line between the state-mandated collateral consequences and the social consequences. However, both are equally as real and carry the same potential to change a person’s life.

For example, in addition to fines, probation, and potential jail time, someone who is convicted of an Arizona DUI offense can have their license suspended for up to a year. Once their license is restored, they are required to maintain an ignition-interlock system on their vehicle for up to 18 months. An ignition-interlock system is a device that mounts on to the dashboard of a vehicle and requires a driver blow into a tube to ensure that they have not consumed alcohol before the car will start.

Depending on a person’s specific situation, a license suspension may result in their inability to get to work. Even if the court grants a restricted license for part of the suspension period, that person may not be able to maintain the flexible schedule required by some employers. In addition, some state-issued licenses are unavailable to those with a DUI conviction. For example, commercial drivers and school bus drivers can have their licenses denied or revoked after being convicted of an Arizona DUI.

In some situations, employers may take action against an employee who was convicted of an Arizona DUI. For example, Arizona Cardinals General Manager, Steve Keim, was recently charged and convicted of a DUI offense in Chandler. According to a recent news report, Mr. Keim pleaded guilty shortly after his arrest and, on top of the state-mandated penalties involved, he was fined $200,000 and suspended for five weeks.

Have You Been Arrested for an Arizona DUI?

If you have recently been arrested and charged with driving under the influence in Arizona, you should take immediate action to make sure you understand what effect the arrest and conviction could have on your future. Attorney James E. Novak has been handling Arizona DUI cases for almost two decades and has a deep knowledge of Arizona DUI law. He understands the effects that a potential conviction can have on his clients’ lives, and does everything he can to help minimize or eliminate those effects through his zealous advocacy. To learn more, call 480-413-1499 to schedule a free consultation today.

Additional Resources:

• A.R.S. § 28-1381

Other Articles of Interest from The Law Office of James Novak’s Phoenix DUI Blog: Arizona Appellate Court Upholds DUI Conviction Over Defendant’s Operation Challenge, Phoenix DUI Law Blog, July 19, 2018

Nearly 300 DUI Arrests Were Made in Arizona over 4th of July Weekend, Phoenix DUI Law Blog, July 9, 2018

Financial Penalties Will Vary

Under Arizona law, DUI financial penalties will vary based on the particular circumstances of each accused person’s case. Some things that will affect the total amount of financial penalties include driving history, blood alcohol concentration (BAC), drug DUI, repeat offenses, a DUI involving an accident, or leaving the scene of an accident involving a DUI.

In addition to fines, those who are convicted of DUI often need to pay fees to reinstate their driver’s license, attorney fees, and suffer a loss of income as a result of missed work due to court appearances, jail time, or termination of employment.

Financial Penalties for a Standard DUI

A standard DUI is classified in the state of Arizona as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of any percentage if the driver is under the age of 21, 0.04% or greater when driving a commercial vehicle, or 0.08% or greater for all other drivers.

The financial penalties for a first-time standard DUI are generally a fine of at least $1,250, but may also include jail time, community service, an ignition interlock for all vehicles, and the completion of alcohol and drug screening and treatment.

In the event of subsequent offenses, financial penalties, as well as other penalties, will increase. Those who are convicted of a subsequent DUI can expect to pay a fine of at least $3,000 and have their license revoked for 12 months along with other penalties.

Financial Penalties for an Extreme DUI

An extreme DUI is classified as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15% or greater. First time extreme DUI offenders can expect the same penalties as first time standard DUI offenders, with the addition of longer jail time and higher financial penalties. Financial penalties typically start at $2,500.

Those who have committed extreme DUI a second time or more, can expect to lose their licenses for 12 months, spend even more time in jail, and of course pay higher fines. Fines for subsequent extreme DUIs start at $3,250 in the state of Arizona.

Financial Penalties for an Aggravated DUI

Aggravated DUI is the most severe form or DUI and is classified as driving while under the influence with a suspended, revoked, or canceled driver’s license, committing a third DUI offense within 84 months, or committing a DUI while driving with a passenger under the age of 15.

The financial penalties for an aggravated DUI vary significantly and depend on the severity of the DUI. However, those convicted of an aggravated DUI should expect to serve around two years in prison.

Contact the Law Office of James Novak

If you have been accused of a DUI, it’s important to have an attorney experienced in DUI cases on your side. Contact the law office of James Novak to discuss the details of your case.