Extreme DUI Lawyer Scottsdale
Getting arrested for a DUI in Arizona is serious—but being charged with an extreme DUI raises the stakes even higher. Arizona has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, and extreme DUI is classified as a higher-tier misdemeanor with harsher penalties, including mandatory jail time, fines, license suspension, and long-term consequences for your future.
If you’re facing these charges, you need a skilled Extreme DUI lawyer in Scottsdale who understands how to approach the case with strategy and precision. At Attorney Josh, we don’t just provide routine legal defense. We deliver smart legal tactics and personalized strategies tailored to your case—because every move matters when your future is at stake.
Led by Joshua A. Lopez, Esq., our law firm serves clients throughout Scottsdale and Phoenix. We are known for one thing: Strong Defense. Strong Results.
What Is an Extreme DUI in Arizona?
Under Arizona Revised Statutes §28-1382, a DUI charge becomes classified as extreme DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.15% or higher—nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08%.
Extreme DUI is still a misdemeanor offense, but it comes with mandatory jail time and increased fines that are significantly harsher than a regular DUI.
There are two levels of extreme DUI in Arizona:
- Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.15% to 0.199%
- Super Extreme DUI: BAC of 0.20% or higher
Both versions of extreme DUI demand aggressive legal representation to protect your rights and reduce potential penalties.
Penalties for Extreme DUI in Scottsdale
A conviction for extreme DUI results in mandatory jail time—even for a first offense. Arizona law does not allow for leniency or “slaps on the wrist” in these cases. If you’re convicted, you could face:
First Offense Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15% – 0.199%):
- Minimum 30 days in jail (with possibility of 21 days suspended if you install an interlock device)
- Fines and assessments of $2,500+
- License suspension for 90 days
- Ignition Interlock Device (IID) for 12 months
- Alcohol screening, education, and treatment
- Community service hours
- Probation up to 5 years
Super Extreme DUI (BAC 0.20% or higher):
- Minimum 45 days in jail
- Higher fines and longer interlock period
- More extensive alcohol education programs
If this is a second offense within 7 years, the penalties escalate dramatically, including jail time up to 180 days, longer license suspensions, and loss of car registration.
That’s why hiring an experienced Extreme DUI lawyer in Scottsdale is not optional—it’s essential.
How an Extreme DUI Conviction Affects Your Life
Most people understand the legal consequences of an extreme DUI, but they often underestimate the long-term personal and professional fallout, including:
- Difficulty keeping or getting a job, especially in professions requiring security clearance or professional licensing
- Increased insurance premiums or cancellation of coverage
- Travel restrictions, especially to countries like Canada
- Loss of driver’s license, which can affect work and family responsibilities
- Permanent criminal record, which is visible to employers and the public
As your Extreme DUI lawyer in Scottsdale, Attorney Josh works to mitigate these consequences, aiming to reduce or dismiss charges, or explore alternative sentencing options whenever possible.
Defense Strategies in Extreme DUI Cases
At Attorney Josh, our defense philosophy is rooted in smart legal tactics. We don’t wait for the prosecution to act—we go on offense, investigating your case thoroughly and challenging every assumption.
Here are common defense strategies used in extreme DUI cases:
1. Challenging the Traffic Stop
If police lacked probable cause to stop your vehicle, any evidence gathered could be inadmissible.
2. Questioning BAC Results
Breathalyzer machines can malfunction, be improperly calibrated, or yield inaccurate readings due to various factors including diet, medical conditions, or testing errors.
3. Chain of Custody Issues
Blood samples must be handled carefully and documented at every step. Mishandling or contamination can lead to suppressed evidence.
4. Improper Field Sobriety Tests
Police may not administer these tests correctly, or physical/medical conditions may impact results.
5. Violation of Miranda Rights
If officers didn’t properly inform you of your rights, some of your statements or evidence may be inadmissible.
We use these and other proven tactics to poke holes in the prosecution’s case, reduce charges, or secure an acquittal.
Super Extreme DUI: Even Harsher Penalties
If your BAC was 0.20% or higher, you could face Super Extreme DUI charges. These are even more severe and require urgent legal intervention. Our firm has successfully handled super extreme DUI cases, using:
- Expert toxicologists to challenge the test results
- Video evidence to dispute officer testimony
- Medical conditions (like GERD) that mimic intoxication
- Negotiations to reduce charges to standard DUI or reckless driving
Don’t assume a high BAC means an automatic conviction. With a skilled Extreme DUI lawyer in Scottsdale, there are always options.
What to Do After an Extreme DUI Arrest
If you or a loved one has been arrested for extreme DUI in Scottsdale, take the following steps immediately:
- Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer police questions without legal representation.
- Request a lawyer immediately. Call Attorney Josh at the first opportunity.
- Document everything. Note the time of the stop, what was said, and any physical symptoms you were experiencing.
- Request a Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) hearing within 15 days to challenge license suspension.
- Avoid social media. Do not discuss your case or arrest online.
The sooner you call an experienced Extreme DUI lawyer in Scottsdale, the more control we can exert over the outcome.
Why Choose Attorney Josh?
Choosing the right attorney could mean the difference between 30+ days in jail and a dismissed charge. Here’s why clients trust Attorney Josh:
Smart Strategies
We anticipate and dismantle the prosecution’s arguments using evidence-based tactics.
Strong Results
Our track record includes reduced charges, dismissals, and alternative sentencing like home detention and work-release.
Local Experience
We regularly appear in courts throughout Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Maricopa County, and we know how each court handles extreme DUI cases.
Personalized Defense
You’ll work directly with Joshua A. Lopez, Esq.—not a junior associate—ensuring top-level legal care at every step.
Client-Centered Approach
We keep you informed, prepared, and confident throughout the entire legal process.
At Attorney Josh, we don’t just defend—we strategize, fight, and win.
How We Can Help
An extreme DUI charge may feel like the end of the road—but it doesn’t have to be. With Attorney Josh on your side, you gain a team that understands Arizona DUI law inside and out and fights for your rights with tactical precision.
Whether it’s your first DUI, a repeat offense, or a super extreme DUI, we’ll tailor a legal strategy that aims to:
- Minimize or eliminate jail time
- Keep your license
- Reduce or dismiss charges
- Preserve your reputation and future
We understand what’s at stake. And we’re ready to fight for you.
Call Attorney Josh today for a free consultation. When the stakes are high, trust the firm that delivers:
Strong Defense. Strong Results.



