He’s not just drunk, he’s SUPER drunk! As odd as that may seem, being super drunk in Arizona or any other state is pretty much a guarantee that you’ll face higher penalties than being just “regular drunk” while driving. Being super drunk isn’t cool, funny or anything respectable. Oddly, being that intoxicated is the exact opposite of anything super, when you’re looking at a dangerous DUI driver.
Most states in the U.S. have different classifications for drunk driving based upon the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of the offender at the time of their arrest. Commonly, a .15 percent BAC reading or higher will increase the penalties for drunk driving. In Arizona, there are three different classifications for a DUI: regular (.08 percent BAC), Extreme DUI (.15 BAC) or Super Extreme DUI (.20) BAC.
Arizona Super Extreme DUI Penalties (first offense) include:
- Minimum $2500 in fines and fees.
- Minimum 45 days jail
- Misdemeanor criminal charge.
- Possible community restitution.
- Ignition interlock device
At .20 BAC, a person will be clearly intoxicated, and well on their way to passing out, blacking out, or other highly dangerous effects from too much alcohol, including:
- Disorientation.
- Inability to walk, stand or even sit up.
- Vision severely impacted, along with other motor functions.
If a person cannot walk, they’re certainly unable to drive safely. Arizona’s super drunk laws take those safety considerations seriously, ensuring anyone caught in such a state faces some of the toughest DUI penalties in the country.
Not only is it uncool to be super drunk when driving, it’s uncool to be drunk at all if you’re behind the wheel. Even a buzz can be a dangerous disaster on the road, and you could still end up with a DUI conviction. If you’re looking to be super-anything, our everyday superheroes are those who never drive under the influence and who help others get home safely if they’ve been drinking.
Happy New Year from CBH!