If you’re charged with driving a rental vehicle while under the influence, you'll face the same legal consequences as you would in your own vehicle—but with some additional practical and financial complications. At Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC, our experienced Flagstaff DUI defense lawyers understand the stress and anxiety of this situation. You likely have pressing concerns about your driver's license, your criminal record, and your financial liability to the rental car company.
Let's take a closer look at what happens when you get a DUI in a rental car and why it's crucial to have skilled legal representation on your side as you navigate the criminal justice system.
Legal Consequences of a DUI In a Rental Car Remain the Same
Whether you're driving your own car or a rental, the criminal penalties for DUI in Arizona are identical. A first-time offense is generally a misdemeanor, carrying potential penalties such as:
- Jail time. You could face a minimum of 24 hours and up to 10 days behind bars. Even a short jail stay can greatly disrupt your work and family obligations.
- Fines and fees. Expect to pay at least $1,500 in fines and fees, plus additional costs for alcohol screening and classes. These financial penalties can strain your budget, especially on top of any legal fees.
- License suspension. Your license will likely be suspended for 90 days, with a potential restricted license after 30 days. This can make getting to work, school, or appointments challenging, especially in an area with limited public transportation options.
- Ignition interlock device. You may need to install an ignition interlock device, which requires you to pass a breathalyzer to start your car. Installation, maintenance, and device monitoring costs add up quickly.
However, a DUI in a rental car introduces some practical complications that wouldn't exist otherwise. Let's explore those additional consequences and how they can compound the stress of a DUI arrest.
You May Face Extra Fees and Penalties From the Rental Company
Rental agreements typically prohibit the use of the vehicle for illegal activities like drunk driving. If you're convicted of DUI in a rental car, you'll likely be on the hook for some substantial additional costs:
- Loss of damage waiver protection. Rental companies often void any damage waiver or insurance when a car is used illegally. This means you could be financially responsible for paying for any damage to the vehicle, even if it wasn't related to the DUI incident. Depending on the extent of the damage, this could mean thousands of dollars out of pocket.
- Administrative and loss of use fees. The rental company may charge you additional fees for towing, storage, or other administrative tasks related to the incident. It can also bill you for "loss of use"—the revenue it lost while the car was out of service for repairs or during the police investigation. These fees can add up quickly, putting you in a financial bind.
- Higher insurance premiums. A DUI conviction can cause your personal auto insurance premiums to rise dramatically, often for several years. Some rental companies also maintain internal "do not rent" lists and may decline service in the future based on your record, limiting your travel options.
Taken together, these expenses can add thousands of dollars to the already hefty costs of a DUI conviction. Our skilled DUI lawyers will work to minimize these consequences and protect your wallet.
Your DUI Arrest May Show Up on Background Checks
Background checks have become routine for many jobs, professional licenses, and housing applications. In most cases, a DUI conviction appears on a criminal background check, regardless of whether it occurred in your own car or a rental. This means a momentary lapse in judgment with a rental vehicle could haunt your future opportunities.
A DUI on your record might also make it harder to:
- Land a new job, especially in fields like education, health care, or driving occupations.
- Secure housing, as many landlords see DUIs as a red flag.
- Obtain or renew a professional license, which often requires disclosure of criminal convictions.
- Advance in your career, as employers may pass over you for promotions due to perceived unreliability.
However, we may be able to negotiate for a plea to a lesser offense, like reckless driving, which doesn’t always have the same long-term consequences as a DUI. This is one key reason not to simply plead guilty without first consulting an attorney who can advise you of your options.
You'll Need a Flagstaff Lawyer Even If You Live Elsewhere
Jurisdiction for a criminal case lies in the location where the offense occurred. So if you're from Phoenix but got arrested for DUI in Flagstaff, your case will proceed through the Flagstaff court system. Trying to resolve a criminal matter from hours away is stressful and impractical. You need to travel back and forth for court appearances and to meet with the prosecutor—all while likely dealing with a suspended license.
That's why working with a Flagstaff DUI defense lawyer who knows the local courts, judges, and prosecutors is essential. With representation by Griffen & Stevens Law Firm, PLLC, you can count on our team to:
- Appear on your behalf for many proceedings, minimizing the need for you to travel.
- Work to resolve your case as efficiently as possible so that you can put the matter behind you.
- Identify county-specific diversion programs or alternative sentencing options that could benefit you.
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