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Although driving under the influence should never be an option, people make mistakes. Driving under the influence of alcohol can mean serious injury or death for you and others around you, and the more you have had to drink the more of a risk you become to yourself and others on the road. Because of this, knowing the penalties of driving under the influence if you are charged with a D.U.I. is the best way to make sure your rights are protected, as Arizona has increasing penalties for people who are found to be driving at extreme levels of intoxication.
A D.U.I. is defined as operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol at intoxication levels measuring higher than the legal limit of .08 BAC (Blood Alcohol Content). Past .08, more serious misdemeanor charges can apply for higher BAC levels. These levels are:
- D.U.I. – blood-alcohol content is equal to or greater than .08 within two hours of driving.
- Extreme D.U.I. – blood-alcohol content is equal to or greater than .15 within two hours of driving.
- Super Extreme D.U.I. – blood-alcohol contents is equal to or greater than .20 within two hours of driving.
Along with higher charges and fines for higher BAC levels, a person can be charged with a felony if the D.U.I. is considered an aggravated D.U.I. It is considered an aggravated D.U.I. if:
- The person is driving drunk on a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
- The person has a passenger under the age of 16 in the car.
- The person has had two prior D.U.I. convictions within the last seven years.
Even for first time offenders, punishments for a D.U.I. can include up to six months in jail, up to $2,500 in fines and surcharges, a 90-day driver’s license suspension, alcohol counseling and can include even further consequences in certain situations.
If you have been convicted of a D.U.I. contact the lawyers at the Law Offices of Craig W. Penrod for a free initial legal consultation. Craig’s office has been involved in criminal and D.U.I. defense for more than 25 years. Craig is certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, is AV® rated, the highest rating by Martindale Hubbell®, is listed in the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers®, and has been selected for inclusion in Southwest Super Lawyers™ Editions 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.