In Arizona, it is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher or while impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol and/or drugs. Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country. These laws impose separate, harsh penalties for DUI convictions based on exactly how intoxicated you were while driving.
If you drive with a BAC of .15% or higher, you could be charged with an “Extreme DUI.” This type of charge will result in a much stiffer sentence and a longer driver’s license suspension compared to a regular DUI. It can also impact your insurance and may even affect your job if you hold a professional license. Given these potential consequences, it is incredibly important that you reach out to an experienced Arizona DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Matthew Lopez Law understands how devastating an extreme DUI conviction can be for our clients. That is why we take a proactive approach to DUI defense, working hard to get the best possible outcome for our clients. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact our law firm today to schedule a free consultation with an Arizona DUI attorney.
How Extreme DUI Differs from Other DUI Charges
Facing a driving under the influence (DUI) charge can leave you with very serious concerns about your life. If your charge escalates to an extreme DUI, your concerns can double due to the more severe consequences.
Arizona imposes strict DUI laws, emphasizing the state’s commitment to combat drunk driving. In this intricate situation, it is crucial to understand the legal principles surrounding your DUI arrest.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is illegal in Arizona, whether you have an elevated BAC or you are impaired in some way. Arizona recognizes that some DUIs are objectively more dangerous and sets penalties accordingly. Generally, if you have a particularly high BAC when arrested, you will face much higher penalties.
In Arizona, you can face an extreme DUI charge when your BAC registers at 0.15% or higher – nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08%. Even if you are a first-time offender, you can still face an extreme DUI charge if you exceed the BAC level within two hours of driving or being in control of a vehicle. While extreme DUI is still a Class 1 misdemeanor, it carries harsher penalties than regular DUI.
The reason for this difference is simple: while drunk driving is always risky, being extremely intoxicated puts the public in greater danger of being harmed. Think of it this way – it is one thing to have a few beers at happy hour and drive home when you’re slightly impaired. It is another thing entirely to pound shots at the bar and get behind the wheel of the car when you can barely stand upright. The latter scenario likely involves a much higher BAC – and will lead to much more severe penalties if you are arrested and convicted of a DUI.
Extreme DUI Can Have Severe Consequences
The specific penalty for a DUI will depend on your criminal history and any aggravating factors. Arizona has a 7-year “lookback” period for DUI convictions. If you were convicted of 1 or more DUIs within the previous 7 years, then you will face much harsher penalties.
Extreme DUI is usually charged as a misdemeanor. However, it may be charged as a felony if it is your third offense. A felony DUI may lead to time in prison, fines, and a license revocation.
While extreme DUI may be considered a misdemeanor, you must still take the charge seriously. It could have severe consequences and implications for your life.
- Fines: You may have to pay a fine of at least $2,500. This monetary penalty could increase depending on the number of previous offenses.
- Jail time: You could face jail time of at least 30 days, even on your first offense. Repeat offenses might lead to at least 120 days in prison.
- License suspension: The court could suspend or revoke your license for 12 months on your second and subsequent offenses.
- Ignition interlock device installation: For every offense, you may need to install a certified ignition interlock device on your vehicle for 12 months.
- Mandatory classes: The court could require you to undergo alcohol screening, education, or treatment for every offense. They might also order community service as part of your sentence.
In addition to these penalties, an extreme DUI conviction stays on your record, which could affect your career, especially if you are in the driving industry. It could also affect your professional license if you hold one. For example, doctors, nurses, and lawyers might all face disciplinary action from their governing board if they are convicted of an extreme DUI.
All DUI convictions will also lead to higher insurance costs. After a conviction, you will be required to obtain an SR-22 certificate in order to maintain car insurance. This type of insurance is far more expensive – and must be maintained for a period of at least 3 years.
Responding to Extreme DUI Charges
With the serious implications of extreme DUI charges, seeking legal guidance can help you understand your case, challenge the validity of any evidence, and negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentences.
An extreme DUI charge can be frightening, but you do not have to handle this alone. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can be a strong ally, protecting your rights and developing effective defenses that are aligned with your best interest.
Like all DUI charges, there are possible defenses to an extreme DUI. Depending on the facts of your case, your DUI defense attorney may be able to argue that the results of any chemical breath or blood tests were inaccurate, that you were illegally stopped, or there was some other reason why you may have appeared intoxicated. The key is to get a lawyer involved early to protect your rights and keep your options open when it comes to resolving the case.
Charged with an Extreme DUI? Our Law Firm Can Help.
An extreme DUI comes with extreme consequences. Being convicted of this offense can have a serious negative impact on your life for years to come. Our seasoned Arizona DUI defense lawyers will advocate for you and help you get the best outcome for your case.
At Matthew Lopez Law, we are committed to helping individuals charged with crimes in Arizona get the best possible defense. We offer free initial consultations and will stand by your side throughout the process. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with an Arizona criminal defense attorney, call our law offices at 480-608-9998 or fill out our online contact form.