September 26, 2008
New Arizona Extreme DUI Penalties Effective 9.26.08
The new set of Arizona DUI Laws went into effect today. While there are some other minor changes, the one that warrants your immediate attention is the consequences for an extreme DUI.
For anybody arrested today or later, if you are convicted of extreme DUI (.150 or greater alcohol concentration), you will be sentenced to 30 consecutive days in jail. No jail time can be suspended.
If you are convicted for a second offense in seven years for extreme DUI, then you will be sentenced to 120 consecutive days in jail, with no time suspended.
The super-extreme (.20 or greater) remain unchanged, at 45 days for a first offense, 180 days for a second offense.
Now more than ever it is extremely important to have legal representation. The average misdemeanor DUI case in Arizona now carries more jail time than many serious felonies.
Comments on New Arizona Extreme DUI Penalties Effective 9.26.08 »
Mr. Jaffe;
Your comment on the effect on jails of the new DUI law shows great insight. I have analyzed statistics on the estimated number of Extreme DUI convictions in Maricopa county and it appears that it will likely double the number of sentenced DUI related jail days that have to be served in the Maricopa County Jail. This could lead to a increase in required inmate beds year around of about 250 beds.
One thing I am sure that will result is an increased use of home electronic incarceration in place of jail by many local jurisdictions.
Hello Mr Jaffe,
I have found your postings here very informative and helpful. I was wondering however if any of these new laws apply to a dui not considered extreme.
What are the new penalties under the new law for a second offense dui both under .15 ?
Is there still a chance to have jail time suspended from max penalties?