A DWI or DUI in Phoenix conviction has lifelong consequences. This article will discuss the possible punishments and penalties for DUI, DWI and Extreme DUI in Phoenix. It will discuss the mandatory minimums of jail time as well as fines and other penalties associated with first offense misdemeanor DUI, DWI, Extreme DUI and Super Extreme DUI in Phoenix.
First offense misdemeanor:
Regular DWI or DUI in Phoenix – The penalties for a first conviction of non-extreme DWI or DUI in Phoenix are: a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail – 9 days can be suspended only upon completion of mandatory attendance at alcohol screening (approximately $100); any recommended classes (approximately $1,000); and a minimum fine and surcharge of approximately $2,500.00. The maximum can be six (6) months’ jail. In addition, the Court now must order one year of a mandatory breath test interlock device being attached to your steering wheel, which requires you to blow into the device every time you start your car. In addition, you must then continue to blow into the device every 15 minutes to keep your car’s ignition on! Lastly, if the court chooses, they can order “more than twelve months” of an interlock device in severe cases. For more information on first offense DUI in Arizona, click here.
Extreme DUI in Phoenix – .15% and above BAC; first offense mandatory minimum 30 days jail and no days can be suspended; this means you must serve all 30 days in jail – day for day; a fine of up to $2500.00 plus surcharges and alcohol classes; one year of a mandatory breath test interlock device being attached to your steering wheel after all suspensions are completed (at a cost of $1500). Once you start your car, you must then continue to blow into the device every 15 minutes to keep your car’s ignition on! Lastly, a judge may order a person convicted of Extreme DUI in Phoenix not to consume alcohol for a period of thirty days or more by requiring them to wear a continuous alcohol monitoring device on their ankle, or blowing twice daily into a telephonic breath testing device. The court, in its discretion, may also extend this period of continuous alcohol monitoring. A subsection I sentence which reduces the jail time to 9 days if you install an interlock device may be available.
Super Extreme DUI in Phoenix – .20% and above BAC; first offense mandatory minimum 45 days in jail and no days can be suspended. This means you must serve all 45 days in jail-day-for-day!; a $2500.00 fine and alcohol classes (presumably at least 36); 18 months of mandatory breath test interlock device being attached to your steering wheel after all suspensions are completed (at a cost of over $2000.00). Once you start the car with the device, you must then continue to blow into the device every 15 minutes in order to keep your car’s ignition on! Lastly, the judge can order you to not consume alcohol for a period of ninety days or more and require you to wear a continuous alcohol monitoring device on your ankle, or blow into a telephonic breath testing device twice a day. A subsection I sentence which reduces the jail time to 9 days if you install an interlock device may be available.
There are harsh penalties associated with DUI, DWI and Extreme DUI in Phoenix charges. However, there are many defenses to DUI, DWI and Extreme DUI in Phoenix charges and depending on the facts surrounding the individual case – Dismissal or Acquittal is possible. Click the following link to view a sampling of our DUI case victories.
If you would like to speak with a DUI Lawyer about a case in Arizona, please give our offices a call at (602) 0307-0808 to schedule a free consultation.