When someone is convicted on a DUI charge here in Arizona, the penalties can include jail time, monetary fines, required community service, driver’s license suspension, and drug/alcohol testing, counseling and education – just to name a few.
Sometimes, just the suggestion of incarceration or a felony conviction is enough to keep a person on the straight and narrow. But for some people, the most frightening punishment of all is the financial kind. So let’s talk about DUI strictly in monetary terms.
Here is the tally of possible fines for an initial DUI conviction:
- DUI Base Fine = $250
- Arizona DUI Surcharge = $200
- Probation Surcharge = $10
- Prison Construction Assessment = $500
- Arizona Xtra DUI Assessment = $500
That adds up to just under $1500, but additional fines are also possible. This amount does not include court imposed surcharges, court imposed counseling fees, Mothers Against Drunk Driving course fee, or interlock fee, just to name a few. With a first time DUI conviction you could easily pay $2,000 or more.
For a second conviction, the fines can jump quite a bit higher:
- DUI Base Fine = $500
- Arizona DUI Surcharge= $400
- Probation Surcharge = $10
- Prison Construction Assessment = $1,250
- Arizona Xtra DUI Assessment = $1,250
- Again, you may incur extra costs, like paying to install an interlock ignition device, for example.
The fines for a third and/or Aggravated DUI conviction are yet steeper.
- DUI Base Fine = $750
- Arizona DUI Surcharge = $600
- Probation Surcharge = $10
- Prison Construction Assessment = $1,500
- Arizona Xtra DUI Assessment = $1,500
- DUI Abatement Fee = $250
My point here is that a DUI conviction can have disastrous financial consequences in addition to possible criminal penalties. The best way to avoid it all is to not get behind the wheel if you are in any way at risk.
Should you find yourself in need of help with a DUI-related legal problem, contact an experienced attorney at Zachary Law Group. Not only do we offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, we dedicate ourselves to finding the best possible solution to your case. Let us help you “Zach-It.” Put the power of the law on your side, to assert and protect your rights. Call us today at 1-855-Zach-law.
