Under Arizona DUI law, driving under the influence is usually charged as a misdemeanor. However, a DUI can be charged as a felony, also known as an aggravated DUI or extreme DUI, under certain circumstances. The following list provides some of the situations that can prompt charges for a felony DUI instead of a misdemeanor DUI:
-There was a child under the age of 15 in the car at the time of the defendant’s DUI arrest;
-The defendant had prior DUI convictions on their criminal record;
-The defendant’s driver’s license was suspended or revoked at the time of their DUI arrest; or
-The defendant was arrested for a DUI after a judge required that the defendant use an ignition interlock device.
If you’ve been charged with a felony for driving under the influence in the Phoenix metro area, my criminal defense team can help. As an experienced DUI attorney, my team and I know how to negotiate with the prosecution and will fight tirelessly to make sure that your rights are protected. For more information, or to schedule a free, confidential DUI consultation with myself, DUI lawyer, Jeremy Geigle, call my direct line at 480-818-9943. Consultations can be held at my various office locations in Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler or Downtown Phoenix.