10 Aug Second DUI Offense? You Definitely Need a Lawyer
Wondering which state is the worst for a DUI? A Reddit user recently asked this question and someone else chimed in with a warning: Arizona already goes hard on a first offense, but a second one is a different story entirely. They joked that a second DUI was just as bad as robbing a bank.
Obviously, they were exaggerating, but driving under the influence is a crime that Arizona takes very seriously. The penalties for a first DUI are already strict, but they jump significantly the second time around. If you’ve already had DUI within the last seven years, you’ll definitely need a lawyer.
What Happens If You Get a DUI in Arizona a Second Time?
Arizona looks back 84 months when deciding whether a new DUI counts as a repeat offense. If your prior conviction falls inside that window, you’ll be facing a minimum of 90 days in jail, fines starting at $500, and the loss of your driver’s license.
Longer Jail Time and Steeper Fines
A first DUI in Arizona might mean ten days in jail. A second one within that seven-year window bumps the mandatory minimum up to 90 days, with 30 of those served consecutively (in some cases the sentence can be reduced to 30 days). You’ll also have to perform at least 30 days of community service in addition to serving a sentence.
Fines climb steeply for a second violation, as well, and you’ll be looking at mandatory alcohol screening on top of everything else. Between fines, impound fees, court fees, an interlock device, and ongoing substance testing, you’ll likely end up several thousand dollars out of pocket. These aren’t minor consequences, and they reflect just how harshly Arizona treats repeat offenders.
Your Driver’s License Gets Revoked, Not Suspended
After a second DUI, your license doesn’t just get suspended; it gets revoked for an entire year.
The process of getting your license back after a DUI is already a multi-step journey, and a second offense stretches it out even further. You’ll need to complete every required class, pay off all the fines and fees, and go through a waiting period before you’re even eligible to apply for a restricted license.
Getting back on the road will also mean installing an interlock device, a breathalyzer built into your car’s ignition that has to register a clean breath before the engine will start. Depending on the circumstances, that device might have to stay in place for a year or more. On top of that, you are responsible for the cost of installation and monthly monitoring fees.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Second DUI
A second DUI charge is not the time to represent yourself or hope for the best. TWith mandatory minimums in play, defending a second offense is much more difficult than defending a first.
Fighting DUI charges in Arizona isn’t easy. You’ll need an attorney who understands how to challenge the traffic stop, the testing procedures, or the chain of custody on evidence. If disputing the charges isn’t an option, your lawyer should at least try to get them reduced. It is possible to negotiate a plea bargain where a second DUI gets charged as a first offense instead.
Need a DUI Lawyer in Phoenix or Scottsdale? Call Todd Coolidge
Todd Coolidge has over 30 years of experience as a DUI lawyer in Phoenix and Scottsdale. He and his team know exactly how to build strong defenses for clients facing this kind of situation. If you’re facing DUI charges in Arizona, contact Coolidge Law today to schedule a consultation.
Photo by Laura Mann on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 8/5/26.