Phoenix Extreme DUI Lawyer

An “extreme DUI” is a DUI where the defendant had a blood alcohol content of .15 or greater within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle as a result of alcohol consumed previously. Under normal circumstances, an “extreme DUI” is a class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by up to six months in jail, probation, and a maximum fine of $2,500. If you or somebody you love was charged with an extreme DUI, speak with a Phoenix extreme DUI lawyer at Stone Rose Law today to protect your legal rights and future.

Difference Between Extreme DUI and Regular DUI

What separates an “extreme DUI” from a “regular DUI” is the suspect’s high blood alcohol content. Since an extreme DUI involves a higher level of impairment and a presumably increased risk of societal harm, an extreme DUI conviction comes with a more severe mandatory minimum sentence. This involves more jail time, higher fines, a more robust counseling component, and a more extended interlock requirement. It is important to note that if you are charged with an extreme DUI, you will almost always face regular DUI charges since a regular DUI is a lesser included offense of extreme DUI. Learn more by speaking with a Phoenix DUI lawyer experienced in defending extreme DUI charges.

Penalties for Extreme DUI in Phoenix, AZ

The mandatory minimum criminal penalties for first time extreme DUI (BAC .15+) are as follows:

• 30 days jail, with up to 21 days suspended if you obtain an interlock device for 12 months. Of the 9 remaining days, 20% must be served in actual jail, while the remainder can be served on home detention if you are eligible
• $250 base fine plus surcharge
• $250 DUI Abatement Fund Fee
• $1,000 Prison Construction Fund assessment
• $1,000 DPS Equipment Fund assessment
• Substance abuse screening and counseling
• 8 points against your driver’s license
• 1-year interlock requirement
• 90-day suspension of driving privileges, with no driving the first 30 days and a restricted driver’s license for the remaining 60 days if eligible (Note: if you are suspended pursuant to Arizona’s Admin Per Se statute prior to being convicted you will not face this suspension)
• SR22 (Note: The SR22 is only required if your driving privileges have not been suspended pursuant to Arizona’s Admin Per Se law prior to the entry of the DUI conviction)

The mandatory minimum criminal penalties for second offense extreme DUI (BAC .15 +):

• 120 days jail with home detention for eligible individuals after the first 20% of the sentence has been served. 60 days of the sentence must be consecutively
• 30 hours of community service
• $500 base fine plus surcharge
• $250 DUI Abatement Fund Fee
• $1250 Prison Construction Fund Assessment
• $1250 DPS Equipment Fund Assessment
• Substance abuse screening and counseling
• 1-year revocation of driving privileges (Special Ignition Interlock Restricted Driver’s License may be available to eligible individuals after the first 45 days of the revocation period)
• 12-month interlock requirement following reinstatement of driving privileges

Defending Against Extreme DUI Charges in Arizona

The defenses that are available in an extreme DUI case are myriad, and the availability of each depends on the specific circumstances of each matter so speak with a knowledgeable Phoenix extreme DUI lawyer as soon as possible following charges. Some defenses may be aimed at defeating all of the DUI charges that a person faces, whereas others may be tailored specifically to defeat the allegation of extreme DUI. In the former scenario, the defense may center on the issue of whether you were driving or in actual physical control of a vehicle. It may also involve an attack on the test used by the state to measure your blood alcohol content. These attacks may be centered on problems with the person who performed the BAC test, the procedures used by that person, or the equipment used during testing. Other defenses may involve evidence that the blood alcohol content revealed by testing resulted from alcohol consumed after driving or that the blood tested was not that of the defendant. It is important to note that these defenses are not mutually exclusive and that it is common for defense attorneys to attack DUI charges on multiple fronts. Many other defenses may apply depending on your case’s circumstances, so if you have been arrested for or charged with an extreme DUI, it is vital that you retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Phoenix to assist you.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Phoenix Extreme DUI Attorney

If you have been arrested and charged with an Extreme DUI, contact Stone Rose Law today to speak with a Phoenix extreme DUI lawyer regarding your case. Call (480) 498-8998 to schedule your free case evaluation.