What Are the Differences Between DUI, Extreme DUI, and Aggravated DUI in Arizona?

In Arizona, as in every state, there are consequences for driving under the influence (DUI). What many people don’t know, however, is that there are several different kinds of DUI, and there are different penalties that come with each kind. The following summaries provide basic descriptions of each kind of DUI in Arizona; however, the best thing you can do if you have been charged with a DUI is contact a Phoenix DUI attorney that can help you figure out how to successfully fight the charges you are facing.

DUI

A basic DUI occurs if you are stopped for driving under the influence and your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) reads .08 percent or higher. The .08 percent applies to both alcohol and drugs (notably, this includes any kind of drug, not just drugs that are illegal). For drivers under the age of 21, any alcohol or drug concentration could be enough for the State to charge you with DUI. In Arizona, a first offense DUI means that you will be jailed for 10 or more days and fined at least $1,250. For a second or subsequent offense, you will be jailed for at least 90 days, fined at least $3,000, and face a license revocation for 12 months.

Extreme DUI

An extreme DUI, on the other hand, means that a breathalyzer finds that your BAC is .15 or higher. A first offense results in jail time for at least 30 days and a fine of at least $2,500. For second and subsequent extreme DUI offenses, the jail time is 120 days, the fine is $3,250, and the individual’s driver’s license will be suspended.

Aggravated DUI

Aggravated DUI is the most severe of the three kinds of DUIs. This category is reserved for four kinds of offenses: DUIs committed while the driver’s license is suspended; a driver’s third DUI in seven years; DUIs committed while a passenger is under 15 years old; or drivers who commit a DUI and refuse to submit to a BAC test while already under watch for having committed DUIs in the past. Penalties for aggravated DUIs can vary, but they generally include two years in prison and license revocation.

Do You Need a Phoenix DUI Attorney by Your Side?

If you or a loved one is facing charges for driving under the influence, know that you have rights and that you have options under the law. By retaining an experienced, aggressive Phoenix DUI attorney, you can ensure you are doing everything in your power to get your charges dropped. At the Law of Office of James E. Novak, we work hard to fight for our clients’ freedoms, and we don’t rest until we have done everything in our power to make sure our clients’ voices are heard.

For a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Phoenix DUI attorney from our team, give us a call today at 480-413-1499. You can also fill out our online form to have someone from our firm reach back out to you as soon as possible to discuss next steps.