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Every DUI case in Arizona is serious, given the state’s strict impaired driving laws. However, extreme DUI cases carry especially harsh consequences. At the same time, Arizona’s extreme DUI law is not intuitive, and it’s easy to get confused because state law classifies DUIs in several different ways. The Law Office of James E. Novak is a respected Phoenix DUI defense law firm with decades of experience handling these complex cases. Attorney James Novak has successfully handled countless DUI cases on behalf of his clients and knows what it takes to obtain the best result possible for each of his clients.
Arizona classifies all driving under the influence offenses as DUI, extreme DUI and super extreme DUI. Prosecutors bring regular DUI charges when a driver has a blood alcohol content of less than .15. Extreme DUI charges are filed where the driver has a blood alcohol content between .15 and .20. And finally, a super extreme DUI involves a driver whose blood alcohol content is over. 20.
Under Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-1382, extreme DUI is a class 1 misdemeanor. Anyone convicted of an extreme DUI faces harsh penalties, which include:
However, judges have the discretion to suspend all but nine days of the mandatory 30-day sentence if you install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for 12 months.
Super extreme DUIs are as serious as they come. While the offense is still considered a class 1 misdemeanor, the punishment for a super extreme DUI is much harsher and includes:
As is the case with extreme DUIs, the judge overseeing your case has the ability to suspend all but 14 days of the mandatory 45-day jail sentence.
The classifications of DUI, extreme DUI and super extreme DUI all deal with a driver’s blood alcohol content. However, Arizona law also provides for an aggravated DUI under A.R.S. § 28-1383. Under this statute, any DUI can become an aggravated DUI if one or more of the following apply:
Aggravated DUIs are all felony offenses, which makes them more serious than even super extreme DUIs. For example, a first-time aggravated DUI conviction can carry a mandatory four months in jail.
While these extreme and super extreme DUI FAQs are a good starting point, if you’re facing these charges, you probably have more questions. If so, give the Law Office of James E. Novak a call to schedule a free consultation. We take pride in providing each of our clients with individualized attention, making sure we are available whenever you need us. For more than 25 years, Attorney Novak has aggressively defended good people who face serious DUI charges, helping them move past their arrests and get their lives back on track. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with Attorney James Novak, call 480-413-1499 today. You can also reach us through our online contact form.