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Extreme or Super Extreme DUI in Arizona

Extreme DUI in Arizona

If you've been arrested for a DUI in Arizona, and your blood or breath alcohol is above a 0.15 percent or a 0.20 percent, then you are charged with what's called an Extreme DUI. This video is here to explain what some of the consequences are for an extreme DUI in Arizona.

An Extreme DUI occurs when someone has a blood alcohol limit above a 0.15. So, you may know, a 0.08 is the legal limit in Arizona for a DUI. The Arizona Legislature has made tougher laws for people that are more impaired than that, for people that have consumed larger amounts of alcohol and still drive a motor vehicle. For that, they have an Extreme DUI.

An Extreme DUI Level is at 0.15 percent and if you are charged with an extreme DUI, two significant things will happen. If you are arrested for an Extreme DUI and the breath alcohol results come back above a 0.15, the police will immediately impound your vehicle for 30 days. You cannot get your vehicle back unless you request a hearing with the Police Agency after 30 days.

The other consequence that you will face is 30 days in jail. Compare that to a regular DUI. For a regular DUI, it's punishable with 10 days in jail, but nine days of those jail stays can be suspended. An Extreme DUI can be punished with 30 days in jail. In a regular DUI a defendant will be punished to 10 days in jail, but none of those days can be suspended if they go to alcohol counseling. So, therefore they could serve as little as one day in jail. But, an Extreme DUI has much harsher jail penalties and the minimum jail time is 30 days. The only way a defendant can get those reduced is totally at the Judge's discretion and only if they show proof that they've had an ignition interlock device installed.

A Super Extreme DUI is much the same. A Super Extreme DUI is a DUI above a 0.20 and if you are arrested for a Super Extreme DUI, you will also get your car impounded for 30 days and then you're facing a harsher penalty. A Super Extreme DUI faces 45 days in jail. And again, only some of those days in jail can be suspended, solely at the Judge's discretion and again, only after an ignition interlock device is installed on a defendant's vehicle.

So, as you can tell, the consequences for an Extreme DUI and a Super Extreme DUI are exponentially more serious than a regular DUI. If you're charged with an Extreme DUI or a Super Extreme DUI, it is imperative that you talk to an attorney to find out what your rights are and what your defenses are in an Extreme and Super Extreme DUI case.

Extreme DUI Penalties

There is a common misconception that an extreme DUI is classified as a felony. This is not true. In fact, this charge is classified under Arizona law as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is the same categorization as a standard DUI. Nevertheless, this charge is still treated as a serious offense.

Here is a general idea of the penalties a motorist may be facing when charged with an extreme DUI:

First Time Extreme DUI

  • 30 days to six months spent in a county jail
  • Up to five years of probation
  • A fine of at least $1,500
  • A drug and alcohol screening
  • Driver's license suspension for 90 days
  • The installation of an ignition interlock device

Subsequent Extreme DUI

  • Four months to six months in a county jail
  • Up to five years of probation
  • A fine of at least $1,500
  • A drug and alcohol screening
  • Driver's license suspension for one year
  • The installation of an ignition interlock device

Super Extreme DUI

Super extreme DUIs are also classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona. In order to be charged with a super extreme DUI, a person must have been found to have a BAC of a .20% or higher within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle.

Super Extreme DUI Penalties

A motorist will be facing the following penalties in the event that they are charged with a super extreme DUI:

First Time Super Extreme DUI

  • 45 days to six months spent in a county jail
  • A fine of at least $3,200
  • A drug and alcohol screening
  • Driver's license suspension
  • The installation of an ignition interlock device

Subsequent Super Extreme DUI

  • At least six months spent in jail
  • A fine of at least $3,200
  • A drug and alcohol screening
  • Driver's license suspension
  • The installation of an ignition interlock device

It's important to note that the circumstances surrounding a DUI case may lead to penalties that differ from the general list of repercussions described above.

For more on Extreme DUI's check out this blog post

Experienced Arizona DUI Defense Attorneys

We, at The Hamp Law Offices, understand that facing DUI charges in the state of Arizona is very intimidating. A lot is at stake, including your driving privileges, future employment opportunities, and even your freedom. Let us weigh your options and assist you through the legal process to increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact us today for a consultation.

Contact Us Today

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you may be feeling frightened, anxious, and uncertain of what your future holds. The competent and experienced attorneys at the Hamp Law Offices can help you during this difficult time. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of our clients and providing excellent legal representation to those who have been accused of a crime. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.

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