by Zayed Al-Sayyed

Arizona DUI AttorneyOctober 5, 20230 comments

Understanding Aggravated DUI in Arizona

Did you recently receive a DUI in Arizona? DUIs can carry different levels of severity, from misdemeanors all the way up to a felony with jail time. Understanding what is considered an aggravated DUI in Arizona, the potential penalties, and how you can minimize any negative side effects is important.

What is Aggravated DUI in Arizona?

Aggravated DUI is a felony offense in the state of Arizona. This is a step up from a misdemeanor, which is what many first-time DUIs are classified as in Arizona. This type of offense occurs when a driver receives a general DUI with extenuating circumstances, such as having a suspended license or while a minor is in the vehicle.

Residents of Arizona can also receive an aggravated DUI if they have other recent DUI charges. There needs to be some type of extenuating circumstance that elevates the DUI charge to aggravated. Many DUI cases that involve bodily harm are considered aggravated DUIs.

What are the Side Effects of Aggravated DUI in Arizona?

Fortunately, the penalties for a Class 6 aggravated DUI can be similar to those of a regular DUI in Arizona. The primary differences are that your offense is classified as a felony on your record and there is a mandatory 12-month license suspension.

For more serious aggravated DUI cases, which are those classified as a Class 4 felony, the penalties increase. A Class 4 aggravated DUI can occur if the DUI is your third offense, you are arrested for your DUI while your license is suspended, if you were driving on the wrong way of the road, and if you don’t have the proper ignition interlock device installed on your vehicle.

The penalties for a Class 4 aggravated DUI are mandatory probation, around 4 months in prison, revocation of your driving privileges, and additional fines and penalties. Regardless of the classification of DUI, you might be required to serve up to two years in prison if you did not seriously harm another party.

If you have a professional license, such as through Arizona’s medical board, state bar or real estate board, your privileges may be revoked. Restitution, travel restrictions, and other penalties can also occur.

How Can You Minimize Your Aggravated DUI Penalties?

As soon as you are charged with aggravated DUI, it’s best to contact a qualified DUI attorney. A DUI attorney can work with you through every step of the process, from your initial hearing all the way to sentencing.

Contacting a DUI attorney is especially important if your DUI caused bodily harm or injury to another party. The mandatory prison sentence for cases i start at 2 ½ years and can quickly increase.

Minimizing your jail time, penalties, and fines relies on having a qualified attorney working on your behalf. You don’t want to go into the courtroom blind on your charges. This can result in receiving maximum sentencing and monetary penalties. Reach out to our team at theZlawyer right away if you are being charged with aggravated DUI.