Drinking and driving can result in serious charges if you are found guilty by a court of law. However, when your crime is upgraded to an extreme DUI, the consequences can be even more severe.
An extreme DUI charge occurs when an individual is arrested with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of between 0.15 and 0.19 percent. This differs from a normal DUI in which an individual is charged with a misdemeanor for driving with a BAC of between 0.08 and 0.14. While an extreme DUI is also a misdemeanor charge, the penalties can be stiffer than with a normal DUI.
If you have been charged with a DUI, know that you have rights, including the right to acquire legal counsel. An experienced Peoria extreme DUI lawyer will fight on your behalf to have your charges reduced or possibly even dropped based on your case.
Call the Peoria JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 372-9090 to discuss your case today.
Extreme DUI Laws in Peoria
In Arizona, if you are suspected of driving under the influence (DUI), you may be asked to perform field sobriety tests or submit to a breathalyzer test to measure your blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Refusal to take such a breathalyzer test can result in administrative penalties known as an “implied consent” suspension of your driver’s license.
As soon as a first offense DUI arrest takes place and the breathalyzer test is refused, your license will be suspended for one year; on subsequent offenses this period increases to two years. Please keep in mind that administrative penalties are separate from criminal charges or legal ramifications associated with being arrested for DUI.
An extreme DUI in Arizona typically refers to situations in which a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit, which stands at 0.08%. While threshold may differ depending on your jurisdiction, typically around 0.15% or higher.
Arizona punishes extreme DUI offenses more severely. First-time offenses of extreme DUI may lead to at least 30 consecutive days in jail and at least $2,500 fine; license suspension; mandatory alcohol education/treatment/community service requirements and an ignition interlock device being installed into any vehicles you operate as well as possible.
Note that penalties for extreme DUI offenses can become increasingly severe with each subsequent offense, including jail terms of longer length, higher fines and longer license suspensions.
Extreme DUI Penalties in Peoria
Those convicted of extreme DUI in Arizona face harsh penalties; first time offenders face a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 30 days; however, courts have discretionary powers to suspend all but nine days if you complete an alcohol and drug treatment program or screening education course.
Along with jail time, an extreme DUI conviction carries with it fines that must be paid. The minimum fine for such offenses is $2,500 without considering additional assessments or surcharges imposed by authorities; thus causing significant financial strain in its aftermath.
As part of your penalties, you will be required to install a certified ignition interlock device (IID). This must remain installed for at least one year following the end of your license suspension period and measures your breath alcohol concentration (BrAC), and prevents your vehicle from starting when alcohol is detected.
Dependent upon the circumstances surrounding your case, the court may impose additional requirements such as mandatory community service and probation. When making this determination, they may consider factors like previous DUI convictions and aggravating circumstances when assigning penalties.
Defenses for Extreme DUIs in Peoria
A charge of an extreme DUI in Arizona does not always equate to a conviction. With the help of a seasoned Peoria extreme DUI lawyer, you could have your charges significantly reduced or even dropped completely. This can often be achieved by finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and by building a strategic defense that is backed by facts.
When building your case, we will consider a variety of details like the actual BAC level and signs of intoxication you displayed that got you charged in the first place. We will also look at possible constitutional or procedure violations that may have occurred, as well as possible issues with the blood testing process used at the time of your arrest.
JacksonWhite Law in Peoria, Arizona
With mandatory jail time and hundreds to thousands of dollars in fines, the penalties associated with an extreme DUI can be quite severe. While you cannot go back in time to prevent the crime from happening, you can ensure that you take the proper steps to resolve your legal problems with the least amount of punishment possible.
At JacksonWhite Law, we have a highly-qualified legal team of extreme DUI professionals ready to take your call. For more information about extreme DUI convictions in Arizona or to discuss your case with a Peoria criminal defense lawyer, call or stop by our Peoria office today.
Address: 16165 N. 83rd Ave, Suite 200
Peoria, AZ 85382
Call the Peoria JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 504-6476 to discuss your case today.
