Impact of Prior DUI Conviction

The Impact of Prior DUI Convictions on Subsequent DUIs

Blurred image of a sign that reads DUI. Multiple DUIs or prior DUIs can result in a harsher sentence if the convictions occur within seven years of one another. If you have been arrested for multiple DUIs, attorney James E. Novak can explain the impact of prior DUI convictions during a consultation at his Phoenix, AZ, office. James Novak has many years of experience in court, working on cases just like yours. DUI penalties in Arizona vary depending on whether it is your first offense or a subsequent offense, your BAC level, and if any drug metabolites were present in your system.

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When determining penalties, the state of Arizona will take into consideration any prior DUIs you have received in other states.

It is important to note that, when determining penalties, the state of Arizona will take into consideration any prior DUIs you have received in other states. For instance, if your first DUI occurred five years ago in another state, and you have just been arrested for another DUI, the state of Arizona will likely consider this to be your second DUI. Contact The Law office of James E. Novak today to learn more about the impact of prior DUIs or to schedule a consultation.

First Offense DUIs and Penalties

There are several types of DUIs in Arizona, each classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, with varying penalties for each. Each type of first offense DUI will result in eight points added to your driving record, and the court may require you to complete community service, in addition to the below penalties. You will also be required to participate in an alcohol or drug treatment program.

  • Basic DUI with slight impairment or DUI with BAC level between 0.08 and 0.149
    • One day to six months in jail
    • License suspended for 90 days
    • Fees and fines totaling over $2,500
    • An ignition-interlocking device (IID) installed in vehicle for 12 months after suspension
  • Drug DUI
    • One day to six months in jail
    • License revoked for one year
    • $2,500 or more in fines and fees
    • 12 months with an IID installed in vehicle after revocation
  • Extreme DUI with BAC between 0.15 and 0.199 within 2 hours of driving
    • 30 days to six months in jail
    • License suspended for 90 days
    • $3,000 or more in fines and fees
    • IID installed in vehicle for 12 months following suspension
  • Super Extreme DUI with BAC over 0.20 within 2 hours of driving
    • 45 days to six months in jail
    • License suspended for 90 days
    • $3,000 or more in fines and fees
    • IID installed in vehicle for 18 months following suspension
Second Offense DUIs and Penalties

In the state of Arizona, if you are arrested for a subsequent DUI within seven years of your first or prior DUI, the penalties are more severe. Additionally, if your previous DUI occurred in another state, Arizona will count that as your first or prior DUI, but only if the DUI conviction would have been considered a DUI in the state of Arizona. Second offense DUIs are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors, and will result in eight points being added to your driving record. You will be required to complete 30 hours of community service, as well as a drug or alcohol program.

  • Basic DUI with slight impairment, DUI with BAC between 0.08 and 0.149, or a Drug DUI
    • 30 days to six months in jail
    • License revoked for one year
    • $3,000 or more in fines and fees
    • IID installed in vehicle for 12 months following revocation
  • Extreme DUI with BAC between 0.15 and 0.199 within 2 hours of driving
    • 120 days to six months in jail
    • License revoked for one year
    • $4,000 or more in fines and fees
    • IID installed in vehicle for 12 months following revocation
  • Super Extreme DUI with BAC over 0.20 within 2 hours of driving
    • Minimum of 180 days in jail
    • License revoked for one year
    • $4,000 or more in fines and fees
    • IID installed in vehicle for 18 months following revocation
Visit Our Office for Your Initial Consultation

If you have been arrested for a second DUI within seven years of your first or prior DUI, contact The Law Office of James E. Novak today. He can assist in reducing your sentence to allow you to serve the minimum amount of time with reduced penalties.

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I was facing criminal charges with three priors in my history. Mr Novak was very helpful and got me a lighter sentence than I probably deserved. He is a great attorney and I would highly recommend him. A. T.
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James worked tirelessly behind the scenes with the prosecution, to decrease my son’s charges to a more reasonable penalty. I could not have asked for a better, more professional attorney. He treated my son with the utmost respect and walked him through every step of a very difficult situation. S. G.
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Attorney Novak did an outstanding job defending my son. Due to his extensive professional background within the court system, he was successfully able to defend my son during a very difficult time for my family. I highly recommend Attorney James Novak for your legal needs. T. G.