Super Extreme DUI Arizona

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Super Extreme DUI Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

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Have you ever heard of a super extreme DUI in Arizona?

There are a few states that have super extreme DUI laws, and Arizona is one of them.

Anyone driving with a blood alcohol content of .20% or more might face a super extreme DUI charge.

Although it doesn’t sound like it, a Super Extreme DUI in Arizona is a misdemeanor offense. However, it carries a jail sentence longer than most first-time felonies.

In this post, DUI criminal defense attorney, Belen Olmedo Guerra will describe some of the unique characteristics of a super extreme DUI. We’ll also talk about how an attorney can help reduce super extreme DUI charges.

What is the Super Extreme DUI Arizona Category?

The term “Super Extreme DUI” does not appear in the text of any actual laws. However, this is what attorneys use to refer to any DUI involving a BAC of .20 or over. Arizona created this category of DUI offense in the early 2000’s to combat an extensive drunk-driving problem. After the implementation of the Super Extreme DUI laws in Arizona, the state now has some of the most stringent DUI laws in the country.

Part of the reason Arizona designated this special category of DUI is that the majority of deadly drunk driving incidents occur when there is a BAC of .15 or higher, which may be referred to as an Extreme DUI in Arizona. By raising penalties for even a first-time offense of a DUI at this level, Arizona hopes to discourage extremely intoxicated drivers from ever getting behind the wheel.

What are the Penalties for A Super Extreme DUI in Arizona?

There are some pretty severe penalties for a super extreme DUI in Arizona.

Penalties for a super extreme DUI in Arizona involve a combination of jail time, fines, and other hardships such as an ignition interlocking device. Below, we’ll break down the different kinds of penalties defendants may face after super extreme DUI charges.

Ignition Interlock Device

An ignition interlock device is a device the state will install on your car. The IID is very similar to a Breathalyzer.

When you get into your car, you blow into the IID. If you blow a .08 or higher, your car will not start. The device also requires a driver to blow again every certain number of miles to ensure the driver continues to be driving sober.

If Arizona convicts you of a super extreme DUI, you could end up with an IID on your car for a minimum of 18 months.

Jail Sentence

This is understandably the penalty we get the most questions about: how much jail time will I serve for a Super Extreme DUI in Arizona?

A Super Extreme DUI has a minimum jail sentence of 45 days. This is an increase from the minimum jail sentence for a typical DUI, which is 30 days.

Additionally, 45 days is only the minimum. The state could sentence a defendant to up to six months in jail.

These jail times are only for a first offense. For a second offense, the minimum becomes six months in jail rather than 45 days.

Fines and Fees

Arizona imposes fines and fees as another type of penalty for defendants with Super Extreme DUI charges. Fines for a super extreme DUI could reach up to $3200.

In addition to these fines, you will probably see your insurance premiums skyrocket after a Super Extreme DUI charge.

Name on DUI Offenders List

Arizona counties will typically publish booking photos of DUI offenders on their website. County websites will highlight offenders with exceptionally high BACs or offenders in the super extreme DUI category.

These details may appear in Internet searches for your name, making it more likely that this offense will follow you beyond the offense itself.

Other Penalties

Many DUI charges involve license suspension. When the state convicts you of a super extreme DUI, you may experience license suspension for anywhere from 30 to 90 days.

A court may also compel a DUI offender to complete community service or alcohol counseling. Probation is also a possibility.

Out of State Offenders May Go To Trial

Anyone visiting from out of state who ends up with super extreme DUI Arizona charges will probably go to trial. They will have a difficult time getting a plea offer, and prosecuting officers may push for very long jail sentences.

DUI offenders within Arizona have more options than out of state offenders. In-state offenders may have the option of work release or home detention during their jail sentences. Out of state offenders do not have this option.

How Can An Attorney Help With Super Extreme DUI Charges?

If you are facing Super Extreme DUI Arizona charges, you might be wondering how an Arizona criminal defense attorney can even help. After all, if the state has your BAC results, there’s really nothing you can do, right?

Not at all. In fact, there are plenty of ways an experienced DUI attorney could get your charges reduced. Typically, your attorney will consider the following when building your defense:

What was your BAC and how far above .20% was it?
Were there any issues with the blood testing process?
Did the driver show any signs of intoxication? If yes, how reckless was their driving?
Was there any disconnect between the test results and the driver’s behavior?
Were there any constitutional or procedural violations?

All these factors affect the outcome of a DUI case. In fact, if your attorney can satisfactorily utilize any of these defenses, the courts may significantly reduce your super extreme DUI charges.

Contact the Belen Law Firm

Belen Olmedo Guerra is an experienced DUI attorney serving the Phoenix, Arizona area. If you or a loved one is facing super extreme DUI charges, it’s crucial that you contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Call the Belen Law Firm at 602-715-0908. You can also leave us a message on our website for a free, initial, and confidential consultation.

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What Our Clients Say

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