Arizona DUI/DWI Types and Penalties
In Arizona, the penalties for drunken driving are pretty severe when compared to the rest of the country. Both DUI and DWI charges have matching punishments. An Extreme DUI in the state of Arizona includes many more sever punishments. The most important aspect a Arizona DUI lawyer should know is how to defend a client from all of the charges. Here are the possible drunken driving charges in Arizona:
• DUI – Driving Under the Influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.
• DWI – Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher within two hours of driving.
• Extreme DWI – Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.15% or greater within two hours of driving.
• Super Extreme DWI – Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .20% or greater within two hours of driving
Just a simple DUI charge in Arizona does not require a breath reading. It simply deals with the suspicion of driving while under the influence. This would include any type of physical or mental impairment. This would also include any verbal admission to law enforcement. So when they ask if you’ve been drinking, always answer, No.
The DWI charge does not require that the suspect have a BAC of .08% or greater at the time of driving. An ordinary person does not realize that the BAC results show their levels at the time they were tested, not when they were driving and behind the wheel. Believe it or not, there is a mathematical way to calculate your true BAC at the time of driving. This can be a possible DUI defense that any good Arizona Criminal Attorney should know and utilize. This can be the break you need to avoid prosecution.
An Extreme DWI is the exact same charge as a DWI but it requires a higher BAC. The punishment levels also go up as much as 10 times more jail time.
A Super Extreme DUI charge again is very similar to the other DWI charges but the BAC needs to be .20% or greater and the jail time can be up to 45 times more than a regular DWI charge. If you’ve been arrested for suspicion of DUI/DWI, always know your rights and ask to speak with an attorney.
