Scottsdale Extreme DUI Lawyer

Extreme DUI Attorney in Scottsdale, AZ

The laws surrounding a “normal” DUI are tough enough, so when a charge is upgraded to an extreme DUI, the penalties involved become even harsher. If you or a loved one is facing a charge of extreme DUI, whether the incident arose from a traffic stop along East Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard or during an arrest after a night out in Old Town Scottsdale, it is essential that you speak with a Scottsdale extreme DUI lawyer who can help protect your rights.

Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm: Defending You in Cases of Extreme DUI

Since the establishment of our Phoenix-based law firm in 2005, the team at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm has been defending clients against a range of criminal charges, including those of extreme DUI. Joshua S. Davidson served as a prosecutor in Maricopa County and can use this knowledge to the benefit of your case. Now, operating as a criminal defense and DUI attorney, he can see both sides of a case and defend your rights more effectively.

Defining an Extreme DUI Charge in Scottsdale

In Scottsdale, you can be charged with an extreme DUI if you are driving or are in actual physical control of your vehicle with a BAC, or blood alcohol concentration, of at least .15% but less than .20%. A first offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor in the state, and the penalties can include at least 30 days of jail time, a fine of $2,500 plus surcharge, a 90-day license suspension, possible drug/alcohol screening, an ignition interlock device for 12 months, and probation.

If you are charged with a second extreme DUI, the penalties will only grow in severity, including an increased jail sentence and larger fines.

While these consequences are dire, they do not have to be your fate. When you or a loved one is charged with an extreme DUI in Scottsdale, you have legal options, and the team at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can help you better understand and explore those potential options.

How to Correctly Handle Being Pulled Over for an Extreme DUI

In 2024 alone, 804,926 Americans were arrested for a suspected DUI charge. When you are pulled over for a suspected DUI, especially in cases of extreme DUI, you will likely feel scared, intimidated, and overwhelmed. In order to protect your rights, it is important that you take the following steps after being stopped by police:

• Pull over and remain within your vehicle. If you are pulled over, simply move to the side of the roadway, shut your engine off, and place your hands on the wheel. If you are wearing any kind of glasses, hat, or hood, remove them so that the police officer can clearly see your face.
• Stay polite and calm. If you try to argue with the police, this will only go one way: poorly. This is a frightening moment, but acting out or being difficult or uncooperative will only make the situation worse.
• Exercise your Fifth Amendment right. You have the right to remain silent under the United States Constitution. Once you offer the police your name, vehicle registration, and driver’s license, you do not need to answer any of their other questions or make any other statements until your lawyer is present.
• Contact a lawyer. As soon as you are arrested and taken into police custody, you need to ask to contact your Scottsdale extreme DUI attorney.

FAQs

What Defense Strategies Are Available in Extreme DUI Cases?

In extreme DUI cases, there are a number of defense strategies that are available, and that might prove essential to your case. These strategies include calling into question the validity or proper administration of all chemical and field sobriety tests, questioning whether or not you were in actual physical control of the vehicle, and whether or not any of your constitutional rights were violated during the traffic stop or arrest.

What Factors Are Used to Determine Actual Physical Control of a Vehicle in Arizona?

In Arizona, there are a number of factors the courts will take into consideration when determining if the alleged DUI offender was in actual physical control of the vehicle at the time of their arrest. These factors include the time of day, the weather conditions at the time of the alleged DUI, where the driver was located within the vehicle, where the keys were located within the car, and whether or not the vehicle was stopped.

What Are the Collateral Consequences of an Extreme DUI Conviction in AZ?

In Arizona, there are a number of collateral consequences one could face if convicted of an extreme DUI charge. First, you could find yourself dealing with an increased auto insurance rate of thousands of dollars each year. You can face damage to your personal and professional reputation, damage to your personal and family relationships, and a loss of income or employment, as the unemployment rate for individuals with a criminal record is 30%.

What Counts as a Super Extreme DUI?

In Arizona, if your blood alcohol content exceeds .20%, this is considered a super extreme DUI, and the penalties can be even more severe than those involved in a case of extreme DUI. In addition to a potentially lengthy jail sentence, you could also face thousands in fines, license suspension, alcohol counseling, possible community service requirements, and the installation of an ignition interlock device for a period lasting for two years.

Hire an Extreme DUI Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been arrested for an extreme DUI in Scottsdale, you likely have both questions and concerns. The right course of action is to hire an extreme DUI lawyer from Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm. In these situations, there is no time to waste, and you need to secure legal representation as soon as possible. To schedule your free initial consultation with our team, contact our offices today and learn how we can help you.