DUI Penalties in Peoria, Arizona: Extreme DUI, Second Offenses, and Super Extreme DUI Laws Explained
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If you’re in a situation dealing with a DUI in Peoria, it can feel like your world has been turned upside down. Stress and confusion are common, and you might not know where to turn. That’s where we are here to help.
At Guardian Law Group, we’re dedicated to guiding you through this difficult time. Led by Attorney Christian Lueders, our team specializes in criminal defense and is committed to protecting your rights.
Christian is a highly skilled lawyer known for his effectiveness in the courtroom and his unwavering dedication to his clients. Having previously worked as a felony prosecutor, he understands how the other side thinks and operates. This unique perspective allows us to build strong defenses and gives our clients a significant advantage.
If you’re charged with an Extreme DUI in Peoria, AZ, understanding the potential penalties and legal consequences is essential. Arizona is well-known for its strict DUI laws, and offenses like Extreme DUI and Super Extreme DUI come with mandatory jail time, hefty fines, and long-term impacts on your record.
Whether it’s a first-time offense or a prior DUI, knowing your rights and options can make a significant difference. This article will explore the penalties associated with Extreme DUI convictions, the nature of the offense, and how an experienced DUI attorney can assist you.
This article includes the following:
- What is an Extreme DUI Offense in Arizona?
- Penalties for a First Extreme DUI Conviction in Peoria
- Penalties for Super Extreme DUI Convictions
- Repeat DUI Charges: Second and Third Offenses
- Collateral Consequences of an Extreme DUI Conviction
- Defending DUI Cases in Peoria
- How Guardian Law Group Can Assist You
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► What is an Extreme DUI Offense in Arizona?
An Extreme DUI offense in Arizona is defined under ARS § 28-1382 and applies to drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) between 0.15% and 0.199%.
Arizona enforces strict penalties for these charges due to the increased risk associated with driving under the influence.
Key Legal Definitions
Arizona law distinguishes DUI offenses based on the driver’s BAC and specific circumstances.
- Regular DUI: BAC of 0.08% to 0.14%.
- Extreme DUI: BAC between 0.15% and 0.199%.
- Super Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.20% or higher.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Thresholds
The BAC level is determined through breathalyzer or blood tests conducted within two hours of driving or being in actual control of a vehicle. These thresholds dictate the severity of charges and penalties.
► Penalties for a First Extreme DUI Conviction in Peoria
The penalties for a first Extreme DUI conviction in Arizona are mandatory and can significantly impact your life. Even a first time offense comes with serious repercussions.
Jail Time, Fines, and Other Consequences
- Jail Sentence: A minimum of 30 consecutive days.
- Fines and Fees: At least $2,700, including mandatory assessments.
- Driver’s License Suspension: 90 days, with the potential for a restricted license.
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID): Installation required for 12 months after reinstating your license.
- Traffic Survival School
- Community Service: 30 hours required
- Probation: Up to 5 years
- Points on License: Up to 8 points added to driving record
First-Time Offense vs. Super Extreme DUI
If your BAC is 0.20% or higher, the penalties increase significantly:
- Jail Sentence: A minimum of 45 days.
- Fines: Starting at $3,200.
- IID Requirement: At least 18 months.
Offense | Jail Sentence | Fine | License Suspension | IID Requirement |
First Extreme DUI | 30 Days | $2,700+ | 90 Days | 12 Months |
First Super Extreme DUI | 45 Days | $3,200+ | 90 Days | 18 Months |

► Penalties for Super Extreme DUI Convictions
A Super Extreme DUI conviction in Arizona, defined as a BAC of 0.20% or higher, carries even more severe penalties than a standard Extreme DUI.
Financial and Legal Repercussions
- Fines: A minimum of $3,200 for a first-time offense, with additional court costs and fees.
- Jail Sentence: At least 45 days, with no probation or suspension allowed.
- IID Requirement: Mandatory installation for at least 18 months.
Repeat Offenses and Third DUI
For those facing charges of a 2nd DUI or 3rd DUI within the same 7 year period, the consequences escalate.
- Minimum Jail Sentence: 120-180 days for repeat offenders.
- Fines: $4,000 or more, excluding costs for DUI treatment programs.
- License Revocation: Up to two years.
A 3rd DUI in Arizona within 7 years of the most recent becomes a class 4 felony DUI charge.
► Repeat DUI Charges: Second and Third Offenses
Repeat DUI offenses result in harsher penalties under Arizona law. Both second Extreme DUI convictions and third DUI charges bring increased consequences.
Second Extreme DUI Penalties
- Mandatory Jail Time: A minimum of 120 days, with at least 60 days served consecutively.
- Fines: $3,250 or more.
- License Revocation: A one-year suspension.
- IID Requirement: 24 months after license reinstatement.
Third DUI and Felony Charges
A third DUI conviction within seven years leads to:
- Prison Sentence: A minimum of 180 days, depending on the nature of the offense.
- Fines and Fees: Substantially higher due to added court-ordered assessments.
- License Revocation: At least three years.
► Additional Consequences of an Extreme DUI Conviction
In addition to the legal penalties outlined under ARS § 28-1382, an Extreme DUI conviction can create significant collateral consequences that ripple through multiple aspects of your personal and professional life.
These consequences often extend well beyond the court-ordered punishments, leading to long-term challenges for individuals convicted of an Extreme DUI in Arizona.
Impact on Employment
- Loss of Employment: Many professions that require driving as a primary responsibility, such as delivery drivers, truck drivers, or sales roles with significant travel, may terminate employment following an Extreme DUI conviction.
- Professional Licenses: Certain professional licenses, such as commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), may be suspended or revoked as mandated by ARS § 28-1382(H). Additionally, industries such as healthcare, law enforcement, and teaching may impose restrictions or terminate individuals with criminal records.
- Difficulty Securing Future Employment: Background checks performed by prospective employers will reveal a DUI conviction, potentially disqualifying candidates for roles that involve trust, safety, or public visibility.
Financial Burden
- Increased Car Insurance Premiums: Following a conviction, drivers may be classified as high-risk, leading to skyrocketing insurance premiums. Insurers often require an SR-22 certificate, further inflating costs.
- Court-Ordered Fees and Programs: Individuals convicted of an Extreme DUI under ARS § 28-1382 must often complete mandatory alcohol education and treatment programs, adding to the financial strain. These programs can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
- Loss of Income: Mandatory jail sentences disrupt income streams and could lead to financial instability, particularly for individuals unable to work while serving time.
Personal and Social Impact
- Strained Relationships: The stigma associated with an Extreme DUI conviction can lead to tension and estrangement within families and social circles. Loved ones may struggle to reconcile the gravity of the offense.
- Child Custody Issues: Under ARS § 25-403, which governs child custody considerations in Arizona, a DUI conviction can be used as evidence against a parent in determining the best interests of the child. Courts may view such behavior as a risk to the child’s safety.
- Limitations on Travel: Certain countries, such as Canada, may deny entry to individuals with a DUI conviction. Travel restrictions can significantly impact both personal plans and professional obligations.
- Social Stigma: A DUI conviction may result in public embarrassment, especially for individuals in leadership roles or public-facing positions. This stigma can damage reputations and erode community trust.
Educational and Housing Challenges
- Educational Barriers: A criminal record may impact eligibility for certain scholarships or programs, particularly those requiring a clean record for financial aid or participation.
- Housing Discrimination: Landlords conducting background checks may view a DUI conviction as a liability, resulting in denied housing applications.
Legal and Civic Consequences
- Loss of Civil Rights: If the Extreme DUI escalates to a felony, as defined under ARS § 28-1383, convicted individuals may lose certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or possess firearms.
- Ineligibility for Expungement: Under Arizona law, while some criminal records may be set aside, Extreme DUI convictions are less likely to qualify due to the severity of the offense.

► Defending DUI Cases in Peoria
Defending against an Extreme DUI charge requires a skilled legal approach. A DUI defense lawyer can challenge evidence, question procedures, and work to minimize penalties.
Common DUI Defense Strategies
- Disputing BAC Evidence
- Errors in breathalyzer calibration or maintenance.
- Mishandling of blood samples during testing.
- Procedural Errors
- Lack of probable cause for a traffic stop.
- Violations of constitutional rights during the arrest process.
Procedural Errors and BAC Challenges
A skilled DUI attorney from Guardian Law Group may uncover errors in how law enforcement conducted tests or processed evidence. These procedural missteps can sometimes lead to reduced charges or case dismissal.
► How Guardian Law Group Can Assist You
At Guardian Law Group, we are committed to helping individuals charged with Extreme DUI offenses in the state of Arizona. Led by Christian Lueders, our team focuses on providing strategic legal representation tailored to your specific circumstances.
We understand the seriousness of these charges, whether it’s a first-time offense, a second Extreme DUI, or a Super Extreme DUI conviction. Our approach includes challenging the validity of BAC results, identifying procedural errors, and working to reduce or dismiss charges whenever possible.
With years of experience defending clients in Peoria and Maricopa County, we have the skills necessary to handle even the most challenging DUI cases. From addressing penalties for an Extreme DUI to defending against felony DUI charges, our firm is ready to assist you.
If you’re facing criminal charges in Arizona for driving under the influence, contact Guardian Law Group today for a free consultation. We’ll provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your rights and your future.