The state of Arizona takes a DUI charge very seriously. In Arizona, law enforcement are extremely aggressive about arresting anyone who might even slightly be drunk or under the influence. This means anyone could be stopped and interrogated on suspicion of driving under the influence as the police is always eager and aggressive to arrest offenders.
First Offense Extreme DUI – BAC Level 0.15% Or More
Anyone caught driving a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or higher in Arizona is charged with an Extreme DUI. A first offense Extreme DUI / Driving under the influence charge in Arizona is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor. Anyone accused of a first offense Extreme DUI charge in Arizona for the first time faces a number of penalties including:
- Minimum 30 days in jail – eligible for home detention after 2 days
- Minimum $250 in fines, which can go up to a total of $2,780 in fines and fees
- Possible community service hours
- Alcohol screening and counseling
- 3 years of probation
- Driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device on any car you drive for 1 year
These penalties can be further enhanced if the driver’s blood alcohol level is 0.20% or more. This enhances the mandatory minimum jail sentence to 45 days, up to a maximum jail sentence of 6 months. It all depends on the driver’s blood alcohol level at the time of arrest. A BAC between 0.15% and 0.199% carries a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail, whereas a BAC of 0.20% or more has a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 45 days.
Second Offense Extreme DUI – BAC Level 0.15% Or More
A second offense Extreme DUI in Arizona carries the following penalties:
- Minimum 120 days in jail – eligible for home detention after 24 days
- A total of $3,740 in fines and fees
- 30 hours of community service
- Mandatory alcohol screening and counseling
- Probation
- 1 year driver’s license suspension
- Mandatory installation of an Ignition Interlock Device on any car you drive for 1 year
Other factors like the driver’s previous convictions, and whether any minors were present in the vehicle at the time of arrest or not can aggravate a DUI charge, leading to serious consequences and higher fines. Since Arizona is a no-tolerance state for driving under the influence, anyone can get arrested for a DUI, even if their blood alcohol content is less than the legal limit of 0.08% which is allowed for driving.
In order to avoid these consequences, it is important to get in touch with an experienced DUI defense attorney as the stakes are high. Choosing the right attorney will help you get through this difficult time. The attorney can also get the charges reduced or even dismissed, depending on the consequences. Call the Law Offices of Brian D. Sloan at 480-900-0384 or 602-900-0384 for a Free Initial Consultation if you are facing an Extreme DUI charge in Arizona.
