Aggravated DUI Due to a Child in the Vehicle
According to Arizona state law, it is a crime to have a child under the age of 15-years in the vehicle when a person is driving while intoxicated. Being charged in these scenarios not only brings up child endangerment or abuse charges, but may additionally increase the existing DUI charge to a count of aggravated DUI. Aggravated DUI is treated as a significantly severer crime that comes with substantial increases in minimal sentencing if the defendant is convicted.
To discuss your legal options and rights as a defendant facing aggravated Arizona DUI charges, contact the Arizona aggravated DUI defense lawyers of Thompson & Volquardsen, P.C., at 602-510-9999 today.
The Impact of an Aggravated DUI Conviction
Because it is perceived to be a greater offense, the penalties associated with a DUI aggravated by the presence of a child tend to be harsher, as does the public scrutiny and scorn. The penalties for aggravated DUI in these situations can include some of the following sentencing minimums:
- One day of prison
- $4,600 fine
- 3-year loss of driving privileges
- Required alcohol education and counseling
- 1-year ignition interlock requirements
This crime is considered a felony by the state of Arizona, meaning that the collateral consequences tied to the crime are significant worse than those consequences related to misdemeanors. It is also important to note that the above reflect minimum sentencing requirements and that the actual sentence is likely to include much more extensive punishments.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with a count of aggravated DUI, there may be additional penalties if a child was in the vehicle at the time of the arrest. To learn more about your rights as a defendant in these cases, contact an Arizona DUI lawyer at Thompson & Volquardsen, P.C., by calling 602-510-9999.
