How Long Will I Lose My License for a DUI in Arizona?

Getting a license in Arizona can impact your life in many ways, with license suspension being one of the most immediate consequences. If you're facing a license charge in Arizona, you likely want to know how long you'll be without your driving privileges. Generally, a first-time license in Arizona results in a 90-day license suspension, though refusing a breathalyzer test can extend this suspension to 12 months.

The exact length of your license suspension depends on several factors, including whether this is your first offense and the specific circumstances of your case. After arrest, your license is suspended immediately for 90 days, even before conviction. Once convicted, you'll also face additional requirements like installing an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for a period that typically lasts one year, though this may be reduced to six months in some cases.

Key Takeaways

• First-time license offenders in Arizona typically face a 90-day license suspension, while those who refuse breathalyzer tests may face a 12-month suspension.
• Your license is suspended immediately after arrest, and additional penalties apply after conviction, including mandatory ignition interlock devices.
• Legal representation can help navigate the complex license process and potentially reduce license suspension periods or secure limited driving privileges.

Basics of license in Arizona

Arizona has strict license laws designed to discourage impaired driving. Penalties vary based on factors like blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels and prior offenses.

Understanding BAC and license Charges

In Arizona, you can be charged with license if your BAC is 0.08% or higher. For commercial drivers, the limit is lower at 0.04%. If you're under 21, Arizona has a "zero tolerance" policy, meaning any detectable amount of alcohol can result in a license charge.

There are different categories of license charges:

• Standard license: BAC of 0.08% or higher
• Extreme license: BAC of 0.15% or higher
• Super Extreme license: BAC of 0.20% or higher

Each category carries increasingly severe penalties. You can also be charged with license even if your BAC is below 0.08% if an officer determines you're impaired to the slightest degree.

"Actual physical control" is another important concept. You can face license charges even if you weren't driving but had control of the vehicle while impaired.

The Role of license Defense Attorneys

license defense attorneys can significantly impact the outcome of your case. They help navigate both the criminal proceedings and the separate administrative process with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

A good defense attorney will examine several factors:

• Was the traffic stop legal?
• Were field sobriety tests administered correctly?
• Was the BAC testing equipment properly calibrated?
• Were your rights protected during the license arrest?

They can also negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options like alcohol education programs. Many offer free consultations to discuss your specific situation.

We recommend consulting with an attorney immediately after a license arrest, as you typically have only 15 days to request an MVD hearing to contest your license suspension.

License Suspension Details

Arizona has strict license laws that affect your driving privileges. The length of license suspension varies based on the offense type, prior convictions, and other factors.

First-Time license Offenses

For a first-time standard license in Arizona, your license will be suspended for 90 days. During this period, you cannot drive for the first 30 days. After that, you may qualify for a restricted license for the remaining 60 days.

This restricted license allows you to drive to and from:

• Work
• School
• Treatment programs
• Screening services

If you refuse a breathalyzer test under Arizona's implied consent law, your suspension extends to 12 months, even for first-time offenders.

For an Extreme license (BAC of 0.15-0.19%), the license suspension remains 90 days, but other penalties increase. Super Extreme license (BAC of 0.20% or higher) also carries a 90-day suspension with more severe additional consequences.

Multiple license Convictions

If you receive a second license within 7 years, the consequences become more serious. Your license will be revoked for 1 year rather than just suspended.

During a revocation period:

• You cannot obtain a restricted license
• No driving privileges are permitted
• You must complete the full revocation period

After your second license, you'll likely need to install an ignition interlock device (IID) for 12 months once your driving privileges are reinstated. This device prevents your vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on your breath.

Aggravated license and Suspension Lengths

An Aggravated license is a felony offense that results in a 3-year license revocation. You'll face this charge if you:

• Commit a license while your license is already suspended or revoked
• Receive your third license within 7 years
• Drive impaired with a child under 15 in the vehicle
• Drive impaired the wrong way on a highway

After the revocation period ends, your driving privilege remains revoked until an investigation of your driving record is completed. You'll need to apply for reinstatement, pay all required fees, and possibly complete additional requirements like alcohol education programs.

Getting your license back after an Aggravated license requires proof of financial responsibility through an SR-22 form for at least 3 years.

After license Conviction: Navigating Restrictions

After being convicted of a license in Arizona, you'll face various driving restrictions. These restrictions impact your daily life but understanding them can help you navigate this challenging period more effectively.

Ignition Interlock Device Requirements

An Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is required for most license convictions in Arizona. This device connects to your vehicle's ignition system and requires you to provide a breath sample before starting your car.

For first-time standard license offenders, you must install an IID for at least 6 months. Extreme license cases (BAC of 0.15 or higher) require longer IID periods—typically 12 months or more.

The IID must be installed by a state-approved provider at your expense. Monthly maintenance costs range from $70-$100. The device records all breath samples and any attempts to tamper with it.

Failing a breath test or attempting to circumvent the IID can result in additional penalties or extended requirements.

Obtaining a Restricted License

After a license conviction, your license will typically be suspended for 90 days for a first offense. During this period, you may qualify for a restricted license after serving at least 30 days of the suspension.

To obtain a restricted license, you must:

• Complete the initial 30-day no-driving period
• Show proof of IID installation
• File SR-22 insurance (high-risk insurance certification)
• Pay a reinstatement fee to the MVD

A restricted license allows limited driving for specific purposes such as:

• Work-related transportation
• School attendance
• Medical appointments
• Court-ordered treatment programs

The restricted license is only valid for vehicles equipped with an IID.

Reinstating Full Driving Privileges

To reinstate your full driving privileges after a license suspension period ends, you must complete several requirements.

First, you need to maintain the IID for the required period without violations. Any failed tests may extend your restriction period.

You'll need to:

• Keep your SR-22 insurance for the mandated time (typically 3 years)
• Pay all outstanding fines and court costs
• Complete any required alcohol education or treatment programs
• Submit a reinstatement application to the Arizona MVD
• Pay the license reinstatement fee ($10-$25)

The MVD will review your compliance before restoring full privileges. Keep documentation of all completed requirements for your records.

Remember that subsequent license offenses result in longer suspensions—up to 1 year or more—and stricter reinstatement conditions.

Choosing Legal Representation

Getting the right legal help after a license charge in Arizona can significantly impact your case outcome and potentially reduce license suspension time. A skilled attorney may help you navigate the complex legal process and possibly secure better results.

Evaluating license Attorneys

When selecting a license attorney in Arizona, focus on their specific experience with license cases. Look for legal professionals who have been licensed for several years and have a strong track record with cases similar to yours.

Check their Avvo rating, which ranges from "Superb" to "Extreme Caution." Higher ratings like "Superb" or "Excellent" often indicate better quality representation. State Bar Association membership and clean disciplinary records are essential qualifications.

Review peer endorsements and recognition within the legal community. Awards, publications, and speaking engagements can indicate thought leadership in license defense.

We recommend interviewing multiple attorneys before making a decision. Ask about their education, work experience, and specific strategies they might use in your case. Many offer free consultations where you can assess their communication style.

Some attorneys specialize exclusively in license cases, while others handle various criminal matters. For complex license cases that might affect your license for extended periods, a specialist may be worth the investment.