Arizona Extreme DUI Laws: The Penalties and Fines

We believe in fairness. That’s the bottom line here at The Law Office of James Novak, and it’s one of the reasons why so many people in the greater Phoenix area come to us when they need a defense attorney for drunk driving and drug-related charges. Working with an experienced DUI defense lawyer means that your legal rights and Constitutional protections will always be noted.

These considerations are quite important when it comes to Extreme DUI cases. These are sometimes misunderstood by clients, so let’s cover these charges and the penalties for Extreme DUI right now.

Defining Extreme DUI

Extreme DUI refers to cases in which a person is found to be operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.15 or greater. This is roughly twice the legal limit (0.08), which means that violators of this law are severely intoxicated.

Why Do Extreme DUI Laws Exist?

Arizona is one of many states in America that has additional penalties for people who are seriously drunk or intoxicated while operating a vehicle. These laws are intended as a deterrent against people getting behind the wheel when they are clearly drunk and in no fit condition to drive. It’s hoped that stiffer drunk driving penalties will reduce the number of severely drunk drivers on the road and in the process prevent accidents and fatalities.

Penalties for First-Time Extreme DUI

For first-time Extreme DUI charges (a Class 1 Misdemeanor), the penalties are as follows:

• 30 days to 6 months in jail
• Fines of up to $2,500
• 90-day revocation of driver’s license
• Installation of ignition interlock device for 1 year
• Up to 5 years of probation

Additional fines and penalties may be involved depending on the circumstances of your case.

Penalties for Second-Time Extreme DUI

If you are caught and charged with an Extreme DUI within 7 years of the previous charge, this is consider a second offense, and violators are charged with a Class 1 Misdemeanor. A second Extreme DUI charge includes the following penalties:

• 120 days to 6 months in jail
• Fines of up to $2,500
• 1-year revocation of driver’s license
• Installation of ignition interlock device for 18 months
• Up to 5 years of probation

As with the first-time offense, additional fines and penalties may be involved depending on the circumstances of your case.

Considering Your Legal Options When Facing These Charges

If you have been charged with an Extreme DUI, you have many legal concern to consider. Getting to and from work can be a challenge, and the impact on your record can have serious consequences. Because of this, it’s important that you look into all of your legal options carefully and weight them with great deliberation.

An Attorney Can Provide You with the Help You Need

For those charged with an Extreme DUI, working with a skilled attorney can be a great help. A lawyer will be able to assess your situation and in the process may note issues with your arrest that can help with minimizing or dropping the charges against you. We will be able to provide you with strong legal representation as well as sound advice moving forward after your situation is resolved. No matter what, know that you have strong advocates here at our legal office.

Contact The Law Office of James Novak

For more information about Extreme DUI charges and what you legal options are when facing such charges, be sure to contact a skilled criminal defense and drunk driving attorney today. The team at The Law Office of James Novak will help you in your time of legal need.