Felony DUI in Arizona: What it Means for College Students

Arizona has four classifications of DUI, two of which are considered felonies: Extreme and Aggravated. These two both carry significant penalties if you are convicted.

For an extreme DUI, the blood alcohol content must be above .15. This can net you a minimum fine of $250 and 30 days in jail without probation. You also have to pay additional fees, including $1000 to have a device attached to your car called an inter-lock device, which is like a breathalyzer to start your engine.

Aggravated DUI happens if you have 2 prior DUI convictions, if children 15 or under were in the vehicle, if your licensed was suspended or revoked when you were arrested, or if you were not using your interlock from a previous conviction. This conviction carried a minimum 8 months in jail, treatment requirements, suspended licenses, thousands in fees, and 2 years with an interlock device.

College Students and the Consequences of a DUI

If you are currently enrolled as a college student, getting a felony DUI while you’re underage can lead to even more problems down the road. A felony conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, disqualifying you from many jobs even if your grades are exemplary.

On top of that, your school might take action against you if you are convicted. Most colleges require students to report any arrests to them immediately and have you face a school judiciary committee of some sort. They can suspend or expel you from school if they feel that you are a risk to the student body. Some scholarships and financial aid require you to be an active student to continue receiving aid, meaning you could lose those with a suspension as well.

Seek Legal Representation

If you have been arrested and have been charged with a felony DUI, you should contact an attorney immediately. A lawyer experienced in handling these types of cases can help you understand your options before, during, and after your case. You will need all the help you can get to protect your record, especially as a college student with your entire future ahead of you.