There is never a good time to get arrested for driving under the influence, but the long-term consequences are especially steep for college students. Students are now heading back to school, and it is possible the reunion with old friends and making the acquaintance of new ones involves drinking. If it also includes getting behind the wheel, serious trouble can follow. A felony DUI conviction – known in Arizona as extreme DUI – can change a student’s life forever. That is the case even if no one was hurt in an accident, because the student is facing the possibility of a felony conviction on his or her record.
Extreme DUI
Although Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation, most DUI cases are considered misdemeanors. That is not the case with extreme DUIs, which relates to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15 percent or more. Penalties for an extreme DUI include:
- Up to 30 days in jail
- A minimum fine of $2,500
- One year license suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Alcohol treatment and education program completion
- Community service
- Interlock ignition device on any vehicle driven.
Felony DUIs are considered in Superior Court rather than the municipal court handling misdemeanor cases. If convicted, jail time is mandatory, and the amount of time a person must spend locked up depends upon the BAC level and whether there are prior offenses. A BAC reading exceeding 0.20 percent puts the individual behind bars for at least 45 days.
Aggravated DUI
An aggravated DUI is another type of felony, applying to someone driving under the influence while their license is suspended, canceled or revoked. It also applies to anyone committing a DUI while a minor under age 15 is in the vehicle, among other circumstances. Penalties include up to a two year prison term and a three-year license revocation.
DUIs While Underage
Those of legal drinking age are considered under the influence with a BAC above 0.08 percent. There is no tolerance under Arizona law for any BAC in an underage driver. Even a misdemeanor DUI conviction involves jail time.
Criminal Record
An extreme DUI conviction gives a college student a criminal record. That can lead to difficulties finding employment, obtaining loans and going on to graduate school. The college might suspend or even expel you. In short, it can ruin your life.
Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one is a college student arrested for a DUI, you need a Glendale DUI lawyer. Call The Law Offices of John Phebus Glendale Criminal and Personal Injury Lawyer at 623-847-7117 for a free consultation. You may also fill out our online contact form.
Sources: http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/28/01382.htm, https://www.azdot.gov/mvd/driver-services/driver-improvement/dui