Phoenix Extreme DUI Lawyer
Former DUI Prosecutor Fighting Extreme DUI Charges in Phoenix
An arrest for Extreme DUI in Arizona is arguably one of the most serious misdemeanor charges you can face. Defined by a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher—nearly twice the legal limit—this charge mandates penalties that are severe, rigid, and inescapable without an aggressive legal defense.
As an experienced extreme DUI attorney in Phoenix, I have spent 25+ years of experience successfully challenging these high-stakes cases in the Maricopa County court system. My firm understands the technical, legal, and human elements of DUI defense.
I dedicate my extensive knowledge to dissecting the prosecution's evidence—from the traffic stop to the chemical testing—to fight for a reduction of charges or, ideally, an outright dismissal.
When you need a Phoenix extreme DUI attorney, call (602) 560-7837 or contact The Koplow Law Firm online.
Understanding Extreme DUI Laws in Arizona
The letter of Arizona law states that if you are found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, you are considered to be driving under the influence at an extreme level. As the name suggests, extreme DUI comes with more severe penalties than a standard DUI (driving with a BAC above 0.08%).
If you have been arrested for extreme DUI, you might believe that your fate is sealed. There is no way people get off for something so “extreme,” right? This is not the case.
I have fought DUI charges of all severity and helped clients obtain favorable case outcomes, from having charges completely dropped to securing the minimum possible penalties and even appealing DUI convictions. I even review other attorneys' work to see if there are overlooked defense options. My experience, insights, and creative defense strategies could be your advantage.
Penalties for Extreme DUI Convictions in Phoenix
A first-time extreme DUI offense can result in a minimum of 30 consecutive days in jail and a fine of $2,500 or more.
Additionally, a conviction would require you to:
- Participate in alcohol/drug screenings, treatments, and education programs
- Use an ignition interlock device (IID) for a year
- Complete community service
Collateral consequences include:
- Potential vehicle impoundment for 30 days upon arrest for Extreme DUI.
- Mandatory filing of SR-22 "high-risk" insurance, leading to vastly increased premiums for years.
- Potential loss of employment, particularly for professional drivers or those in licensed fields.
- A permanent criminal record that cannot be expunged, severely impacting future housing, loans, and educational opportunities.
What About My License?
With an extreme DUI, your license will be suspended for 90 days. You can contest this within 15 days of receiving a suspension notice. However, doing so is no small task. You will need an attorney who can help you fight this suspension, as well as your criminal charges.
If you are arrested for DUI with a commercial driver's license (CDL), you could have your CDL suspended for a year. This may seriously impact your employment.
Here are important facts about license suspension and extreme DUI in Phoenix:
- 15-day deadline to contest: After a license suspension notice, you have only 15 days to request a hearing with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division.
- Certain courts handle hearings: Depending on where you were arrested in Phoenix, your hearing could be scheduled at Phoenix Municipal Court or a Maricopa County Justice Court.
- Work/limited permits: In some cases, you may apply for a restricted driver’s permit to travel to work or school, but eligibility depends on specific factors unique to each case.
- Non-Arizona residents: Even if you live outside of Arizona, a suspension in this state can be reported to your home state and may affect your driving record elsewhere.
What If I Get Arrested for a Second or Third Extreme DUI?
Should you be convicted of extreme DUI twice within a seven-year period, you will face a minimum of 120 days in jail, $3,000 in fines, alcohol/drug education programs, community service hours, and an IID requirement—among other consequences. A third conviction has the same stipulations but may carry felony status, as the court could charge you with aggravated DUI.
The Questionable Threshold of Extreme DUI Charges
I would argue that a more accurate label for extreme DUI would be “hyperbole” DUI. Let us look at an example to explain why.
Imagine that John and Fred have identical circumstances. They drank the same amount of alcohol. Their bodies process alcohol in the exact same way. Ten minutes after they leave the bar, the pair gets arrested for DUI. Here is where their identical paths split.
In John's case, the officer draws his blood within 30 minutes of the stop. His results show a BAC of .18%. In contrast, Fred's officer is not able to draw his blood until over an hour after the stop. What does this lead to? His BAC is below the extreme DUI threshold.
This example illustrates a flaw in law enforcement's processes that commonly arises in extreme DUI cases. Often, the only difference between a standard and extreme DUI charge is the timing of the BAC test and potential errors made by law enforcement.
What does this mean for you? It means that your charges may not be as extreme as they seem.
With the help of a skilled Phoenix extreme DUI attorney such as myself, you could challenge the validity of your BAC results and other forensic and procedural missteps by law enforcement and other officials. In fact, my DUI defenses frequently target forensic flaws and constitutional violations.
The Extreme DUI Process Works in Phoenix
Navigating the extreme DUI process in Phoenix can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local courts or procedures. After an arrest, you will typically be processed at a local facility and soon after must attend an arraignment, which could take place at the Phoenix Municipal Court or another court in Maricopa County, depending on your arrest location. It’s important to respond promptly to all court notices and legal deadlines to preserve your options for defense and license restoration.
Throughout the case, you may be required to attend various hearings, provide documentation to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, and, in some cases, comply with interim conditions such as alcohol monitoring or restricted driving privileges. Working with an extreme DUI lawyer in Phoenix can help ensure all paperwork is handled properly, legal arguments are presented effectively, and your rights are protected at every phase. Knowing the steps involved and having guidance through each stage can make a significant difference in your case outcomes and long-term prospects.
Here are the typical stages you may encounter during the extreme DUI process in Phoenix:
- Initial arrest and processing at a city or county facility
- Arraignment appearance in a relevant Phoenix or Maricopa County court
- Pre-trial negotiations and motions involving your attorney and the prosecutor
- Hearings on license suspension with the Motor Vehicle Division
- Trial or plea agreement, followed by sentencing if applicable
My Comprehensive Approach to Extreme DUI Defense
I do not accept the BAC number presented by the State. My firm's defense of Extreme DUI focuses on attacking the integrity of the evidence and the procedure of the arrest.
Here are common reasons why BAC evidence in Phoenix extreme DUI cases may be unreliable:
- Variable blood draw timing: The timing of the blood or breath test after a stop can affect whether a BAC meets the legal threshold for an extreme DUI.
- Police procedural errors: Mistakes made by law enforcement during testing or processing can call BAC accuracy into question.
- Laboratory handling issues: Errors or delays by crime labs processing samples may result in unreliable results.
I apply my expertise to challenge:
- The Initial Stop: Was the traffic stop legal? I determine if the officer had reasonable suspicion to pull you over. If the stop was bad, the rest of the evidence may be suppressed.
- Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs): I question the administration and scoring of the FSTs. Was the ground level? Was the defendant wearing proper footwear? Were the instructions given correctly? I use my 25+ years of experience to argue these tests are inherently subjective and unreliable.
- The Breath or Blood Test: This is the most critical area. I check the calibration and maintenance logs for the breathalyzer (Intoxilyzer 8000) or the blood draw procedure. Was the blood drawn properly? Was the blood sample contaminated? Was the blood analysis performed by a certified lab technician, and was the Extreme DUI reading taken within the legal two-hour window?
- Rising BAC Defense: I can argue that at the time of driving, your BAC was lower than 0.15% and was still rising while awaiting the test, putting you below the Extreme DUI threshold. This is a complex scientific defense that requires a skilled extreme DUI attorney in Phoenix.
Learn More About Your Charges & How I Can Defend You in Phoenix
If you have been arrested for extreme DUI in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or elsewhere across Arizona, do not delay. Contact The Koplow Law Firm to speak with me about your charges, defense options, and path ahead.
I get to know my clients, working one-on-one with them to devise what my experience tells me will be the best defense approach. Thousands have trusted their cases, livelihoods, and futures with me and my team. You can confidently do the same.
To start with The Koplow Law Firm, call (602) 560-7837 or reach out online.
Hear From the People We’ve Helped
Testimonials and Reviews
At The Koplow Law Firm, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Great trial attorney."
Lawrence is tenacious, relentless, and extremely passionate about his clients and their cases. He leaves no stone unturned in his investigations, and his cross examinations are grueling. His knowledge of the science of DUI's and the testing procedures is unsurpassed. Great trial attorney.
- Jesse S. -
"Unquestionably one of the top DUI/ criminal defense attorneys in Arizona."As a practicing attorney in DUI and criminal defense, and as a former prosecutor who went against Lawrence on several cases, I can attest that the State knows they will have their hands full when Lawrence is on the case.- Ryan M.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."
Great attorney! Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.
- Charity C. -
"No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does."Lawrence is the best lawyer I have ever met. If your career is on the line then he is the guy. No other lawyer knows the science of DUI like Lawrence does. I will be forever grateful!- Greg S.
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"It was miracle!"
It was miracle!... A lot of people don't really understand the benefit of having an attorney who used to be a prosecutor. They know all the little tricks and scare tactics the state has as opposed to just hiring an attorney who is a little fish in a big pond.
- Joe C. -
"One of the best."Lawrence Koplow is one of the best DUI and vehicular defense attorneys in the state of Arizona. Anyone would be extremely fortunate to have him as their advocate.- Jack L.
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"You cannot go wrong with Lawrence."Lawrence thinks outside the box and goes above and beyond for his clients and the legal community at large. If you are looking for aggressive representation, you cannot go wrong with Lawrence.- Charity C.
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"Nobody knows the court and laws better than him."Lawrence represents very high-profile clients who greatly depend on a good outcome, and this guy will deliver. This is a prosecutors' worse nightmare, and it should be that way if you need an attorney.- David E.
DUI Library
The best DUI defense stuff that only a few know and none want to share. A one of a kind annotated resource for lawyers, people accused, or anyone who wants to see what’s going on in our justice system with DUI cases… and how to fix it.
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Scottsdale DUI Definitive GuideScottsdale DUI Definitive Guide
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The Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUIThe Definitive Guide to Defeating an Arizona DUI
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Field Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI CasesField Sobriety Tests in Arizona DUI Cases
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Traffic Stops in Arizona DUI CasesTraffic Stops in Arizona DUI Cases
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Warrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI CasesWarrantless Blood Draws in Arizona DUI Cases
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Right to Counsel in Arizona DUI CasesRight to Counsel in Arizona DUI Cases
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Failure to Preserve EvidenceFailure to Preserve Evidence
