Can I Avoid Jail Time for a First DUI in Arizona?

Arizona is known for having some of the toughest DUI laws in the country. If you are facing a first-time DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge, it’s natural to worry about jail, license suspension, and other life-changing penalties.
While every case is different, understanding the law and the limited ways to reduce jail time can help you protect your future.

Arizona’s First-Time DUI Penalties at a Glance

A first offense DUI in Arizona is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. The penalties depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest.

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Standard DUI

• 0.08 – 0.149 BAC Range
• 10 days (judge may suspend 9 days if alcohol screening/treatment is completed)
• ~$1,500+ in fines & assessments
• 90-day license suspension (with restricted license eligibility)
• Ignition Interlock - 12 months

Extreme DUI

• 0.15 – 0.199 BAC Range
• 30 days (may reduce to 9 days with interlock + treatment)
• Higher fines & assessments
• 90-day license suspension
• 12 months

Super Extreme DUI

• 0.20+ BAC Range
• 45 days minimum (may reduce to 14 days with interlock + treatment)
• Higher fines & assessments
• 90-day license suspension
• 18 months

Important: Arizona law requires at least one day of actual jail for a standard first DUI. Judges can suspend the remaining nine days only if you complete alcohol screening and any recommended treatment.

Factors That Can Increase Penalties

Several circumstances can raise the stakes even for a first-time offender:

• High BAC – Higher than 0.15 or 0.20 triggers Extreme or Super Extreme penalties.
  
  
• Accidents or Injuries – Causing property damage or injury can lead to aggravated charges.
  
  
• Minor Passenger – Driving with a child under 15 in the vehicle increases fines and jail.
  
  
• Prior Record – Even a clean record can’t erase the mandatory minimums, but a criminal history can affect plea negotiations.
  
  

How an Attorney Can Help Reduce Jail Time

Although Arizona requires at least one day in jail, an experienced DUI defense lawyer can often limit additional time and protect your rights by:

• Alcohol Screening & Treatment – Completing screening allows the court to suspend nine of the ten mandatory days.
  
  
• Negotiating a Plea – In some cases, charges may be reduced to “Reckless Driving” potentially avoiding jail time.
  
  
• Challenging Evidence – Breath or blood test errors, field-sobriety mistakes, or lack of probable cause can weaken the prosecution’s case.
  
  
• Early Interlock Installation – Installing an ignition interlock promptly may help reduce license suspension periods.
  
  

Other Consequences of a First DUI

Even if you serve minimal jail time, you may still face:

• License Suspension & Restricted License – Typically 90 days, with eligibility for a restricted license after 30 days.

• Ignition Interlock Device – Required for at least 12 months on your vehicle.

• Insurance Increases – SR-22 proof of insurance is mandatory and can significantly raise premiums.
  
  
• Criminal Record – A misdemeanor DUI remains on your record and can affect employment or professional licensing.
  
  

Why Choose The Nava Law Firm

At The Nava Law Firm, our DUI defense team includes former prosecutors who know how Arizona courts and prosecutors approach first-offense DUIs.
We provide aggressive, strategic representation aimed at minimizing jail, protecting your license, and safeguarding your future.

• Free, confidential consultations
  
  
• Decades of combined criminal defense experience
  
  
• Focused representation throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tempe, and Maricopa County
  
  

Take Action Today

Arizona’s DUI laws move quickly—you have only 30 days from your arrest to request a hearing with the Motor Vehicle Division to fight a license suspension.
The sooner you contact a lawyer, the more options you have to reduce penalties and protect your rights.

Call The Nava Law Firm or request a free consultation today to discuss your case and start building a strong defense.