Facing a misdemeanor DUI charge is serious, but facing an Aggravated DUI charge is much worse — and the penalties are even more severe. In Arizona, the “aggravated” part of the DUI title means you are facing a felony charge(s) with a possible prison sentence.
There are four violations that can result in an aggravated DUI charge in Arizona:
1. Commits DUI while driving on a suspended license;
2. Commits DUI and the driver has two or more DUI convictions in the past seven (7) years;
3. Commits DUI while the person is required to have an ignition interlock device installed in the vehicle; and/or
4. Commits DUI with minor child(ren) under the age of 15 in vehicle.
If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI under numbers 1 and 2 above, you are facing a minimum of four months in prison without work release. This can be a very terrifying experience for anyone, as they may lose the ability to maintain their employment and support their family.