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In the Grand Canyon State, driving is considered a privilege, not a right. This means drivers generally cannot argue that their constitutional rights were violated if they lose their license after a DUI arrest. Instead, they are losing the privilege to operate a motor vehicle. If you’ve recently been arrested for a DUI, you may be wondering, “Will I lose my license after a DUI in Arizona?” The answer depends on case-specific factors
In Arizona, it’s illegal for anyone under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs to operate or physically control a vehicle. By driving in Arizona, you consent to chemical testing, such as blood, breath, or urine, if you’re arrested for a DUI. If you refuse testing, your license may be automatically suspended.
If a police officer believes you’ve been driving under the influence, you may be asked to complete a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test to measure the amount of alcohol and/or drugs in your bloodstream. Certain BAC levels or detectable drugs in your system can result in immediate license consequences.
There are several penalties for a DUI in the state. If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI and have a BAC of 0.08% or more, or if a test result is unavailable, you lose your privilege to drive immediately. Also, you are required to complete an alcohol and/or drug screening before you can reinstate your privilege to drive or obtain a restricted permit
Please note that if you’re under 21 years old, Arizona has a zero-tolerance policy. This means if you’re found with any alcohol and/or drugs in your bloodstream, your license may be immediately suspended. Also, if you refuse to participate in the requested BAC testing, you automatically lose your driving privileges for 12 months, and you may face further consequences.
The penalties you may face for a DUI depend on whether it’s your first offense or a subsequent offense. Ultimately, losing your license in Arizona depends on whether it’s a first offense or not, with repeat offenses typically leading to
Yet, even first-time offenses can trigger license suspensions or restrictions, depending on the violation type. It’s always a good idea to speak with a knowledgeable Flagstaff DUI lawyer, as they can answer your license-related questions following a DUI and build a solid defense case on your behalf
The economic impact of getting a DUI is significant. Even a single DUI offense can be financially devastating, potentially accumulating as much as $30,000 in penalties and legal fees. In 2024 alone, about 804,926 Americans faced suspected DUIs, accounting for 11% of all arrests across the nation.
Hire an experienced attorney so you can avoid becoming part of these staggering statistics about DUI convictions. When you hire a lawyer, you have an ally who can help you navigate the complexities of DUI charges, limit your exposure to potential serious consequences, and protect your rights throughout the legal process. An attorney can explain the charges you’re facing and explore all available defenses to avoid severe penalties.
The amount of time you might lose your license after a DUI arrest in Arizona depends on your BAC, whether you refused BAC testing, and whether you have a history of DUI offenses. As a result, it’s critical to speak with an experienced attorney familiar with DUI defense.
In Arizona, you typically face two suspensions. First, an immediate suspension after a 15-day grace period, unless you request a hearing. Second is a court-ordered suspension that’s tied to your conviction.
An Arizona DUI arrest can trigger an automatic license suspension. If you’re pulled over for a suspected DUI and testing shows your BAC is .08% or higher, your license is subject to an Admin Per Se suspension. This typically begins 15-30 days after the arrest. You have a narrow window to request a formal hearing with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) to challenge or pause this suspension, which is usually 15 days from the date of notice
Yes, in many cases, you can still drive to work if your Arizona driver’s license is suspended after a DUI. For a standard 90-day suspension, you are usually ineligible to drive for the first 30 days. After this initial period, you are eligible to apply for a restricted permit that allows you to drive for essential purposes only, which include traveling to and from work, school, or medical appointments, provided you complete a required alcohol screening
Yes, there is a difference between a license suspension and a license revocation in Arizona. Across the Grand Canyon State, a suspension is a temporary loss of driving privileges for a set period, while a revocation is a more serious penalty that lasts at least one year and typically requires a formal investigation and application process through the MVD to reinstate driving privileges. For assistance with a license suspension or revocation, contact a lawyer.
Don’t try to handle a complicated DUI defense yourself. Hire a DUI lawyer. With over 80 years of combined experience, The Kaiser Law Group aggressively defends DUI cases statewide and understands how high the stakes can be after an arrest. A DUI charge can take away your freedoms, impact your finances, and affect your ability to drive
The Kaiser Law Group analyzes evidence, reviews testing results, and challenges improper traffic stops. We work to protect your future by building a strong defense on your behalf.
Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with a knowledgeable DUI attorney. We’re ready to fight for your driving privileges and protect your future from the lingering consequences of a DUI conviction. If you’ve wondered, “Will I lose my license after a DUI in Arizona?” We can help.
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Flagstaff, AZ 86001
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