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What Are Aggravated, Extreme DUIs?

By Daniel Taylor, Esq. on July 31, 2014 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Not all DUIs are created equal.

Just ask Phoenix Suns player P.J. Tucker. He was arrested earlier this summer following a traffic stop and charged with "super extreme DUI." Extreme DUIs, also known as aggravated DUIs, can result in even more severe penalties than the already serious punishments meted out for a DUI conviction, including larger fines and more jail time.

What are aggravated and extreme DUIs?

  • Know someone who has been arrested or charged with a drunken driving offense? Get in touch with a knowledgeable DUI attorney in your area today.

Aggravated / Extreme DUI

A DUI is elevated to the level of aggravated or extreme DUI by the presence of one or more so-called aggravating factors. These can include:

  • Extremely high BAC. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over twice the legal limit can lead to charges of aggravated or extreme DUI.
  • DUI with minors in the vehicle. Being arrested for DUI with a minor in the vehicle can not only result in elevated DUI penalties, but also child endangerment or child cruelty charges.
  • Multiple convictions. Drivers with previous DUI convictions may face harsher penalties for subsequent DUI convictions, even if those convictions occurred in other states.
  • Excessive speed. A DUI arrest coupled with driving at excessive speeds can also lead to an aggravated or extreme DUI charge.

'Super Extreme DUI'

In Tucker's case, he was arrested for "super extreme DUI." Super extreme DUIs are an even higher level offense created by Arizona law and reserved for drivers whose BAC is .20 or higher.

A blood test administered on Tucker following his arrest showed his BAC to be .222. If convicted of "super extreme DUI," Tucker will be sentenced to at least 45 days in jail as Arizona law does not allow suspended sentences in "super extreme" DUI convictions.

DUI laws vary from state to state. If you're charged with aggravated or extreme DUI, an experienced DUI lawyer will know the laws in your state.

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