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Super Extreme DUI Attorney in Phoenix

If you are facing a Super Extreme DUI charge in Phoenix, you are dealing with one of the most serious DUI allegations under Arizona law. Attorney Chad Pajerski is a Board-Certified Criminal Defense Specialist who focuses on high-stakes DUI cases. If you or someone you care about has been charged with a Super Extreme DUI, contact our office for a free case evaluation.
Criminal Defense Attorney Chad Pajerski

Phoenix Super Extreme DUI Attorney

Being charged with a Super Extreme DUI in Arizona is one of the most serious misdemeanor DUI offenses under state law—and Phoenix is known for enforcing some of the toughest DUI penalties in the country. If you or someone you love is facing a Super Extreme DUI charge, you may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or unsure of what comes next. Understanding the law, the potential penalties, and your defense options is the first step toward protecting your future.

Attorney Chad Pajerski, a Board-Certified Criminal Defense Specialist with over 25 years of experience, has successfully defended thousands of DUI cases throughout Arizona. If you are facing a Super Extreme DUI in Phoenix, his expertise, strategy, and courtroom skill can make a critical difference.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. We proudly serve clients across Phoenix and the East Valley.

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What Is a Super Extreme DUI in Arizona?

A Super Extreme DUI applies when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.20% or higher—far above the standard 0.08% limit. Arizona treats these cases with exceptional severity due to the heightened level of impairment.

A Super Extreme DUI is still a misdemeanor, but the consequences more closely resemble felony-level penalties due to mandatory jail time, steep financial costs, and long-term restrictions.

Penalties for a First-Offense Super Extreme DUI in Arizona

Even for a first-time offender with no criminal record, the penalties for a super extreme DUI in Arizona are some of the harshest in the nation. They can include:

Mandatory Jail Time

  • 45 days minimum, with the potential to reduce a portion if you install an ignition interlock device.
  • Extended incarceration if aggravating factors are present.

Significant Financial Penalties

  • Fines, fees, and assessments that can exceed $3,000–$4,000.
  • Required alcohol screening, classes, and treatment programs.
  • Dramatically increased insurance premiums.

Ignition Interlock Device (IID)

  • Mandatory installation for 18 months or more.
  • Requires frequent maintenance and consistent negative breath tests.

License Suspension

  • A 90-day license suspension, followed by restricted driving privileges if eligible.

Other Consequences

  • Community service hours.
  • Possible vehicle impound.
  • A permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, and educational opportunities.

Even one mistake can follow you for years, which is why immediate legal help is essential. 

This is where Attorney Chad Pajerski’s expertise becomes invaluable. His deep understanding of Arizona’s DUI laws and his board-certified specialization provide clients with a clear path forward when the stakes are highest.

Penalties for a Second Super Extreme DUI

If you are charged with a second Super Extreme DUI within seven years, the penalties increase sharply:

  • 180 days of mandatory jail
  • Higher fines and court fees
  • Two years of ignition interlock use
  • One-year license revocation
  • Extensive alcohol treatment requirements

The court views a second offense as evidence of repeat behavior, and prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively. That makes it even more crucial to have an experienced legal advocate like Attorney Chad Pajerski by your side in court. 

How a Super Extreme DUI Differs From Other DUI Levels

Understanding where a Super Extreme DUI falls within Arizona’s tiered DUI system is crucial. Arizona enforces increasingly harsh penalties based on BAC levels, and each tier carries different legal and financial consequences. By comparing these categories side-by-side, you can better understand why Super Extreme DUIs are treated with such severity, and why having an experienced defense attorney like Chad Pajerski becomes even more important.

Arizona divides DUI offenses into multiple tiers. Here’s how a Super Extreme DUI compares:

  • Standard DUI (0.08–0.149% BAC) – Minimum 10 days in jail; lower fines.
  • Extreme DUI (0.150–0.199% BAC) – Minimum 30 days in jail; higher fines and ignition interlock requirements.
  • Super Extreme DUI (0.20% BAC or higher) – Minimum 45 days in jail; strictest penalties for a misdemeanor DUI
  • Aggravated DUI (Felony DUI) - Charged when certain aggravating factors are present, such as driving on a suspended license, having two prior DUIs within seven years, or having a child under 15 in the vehicle. Penalties include mandatory prison time, long-term license revocation, and significantly higher fines.

The higher the BAC, the harsher the mandatory punishments become.

Common Defenses in Super Extreme DUI Cases

Even when a BAC appears extremely high, these charges can be challenged. Attorney Chad Pajerski routinely examines:

  • Breath/Blood Test Accuracy – Faulty calibration, contamination, unapproved testing methods, and improper sample storage can all lead to false high BAC readings.
  • Issues With the Traffic Stop – Police must have reasonable suspicion or probable cause. Any violation may result in evidence being thrown out.
  • Field Sobriety Test Reliability – These tests are subjective and influenced by fatigue, weather, footwear, or medical conditions.
  • Rising Blood Alcohol Levels – Your BAC may have been rising at the time of the test, meaning you were not actually above 0.20% when driving.
  • Violations of DUI Protocol – Failure to follow procedure can invalidate critical evidence. Failure to follow procedure can invalidate critical evidence.

Even small errors or improper handling can significantly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Attorney Chad Pajerski takes this one step further by customizing every defense strategy to the unique circumstances of each client. No two DUI cases are the same, and Chad evaluates the nuances—your medical conditions, the timeline of events, the officer’s behavior, the testing environment, and even personal and professional consequences you may face. 

By tailoring his approach to your specific situation, he ensures your defense is not only legally strong but strategically aligned with your long-term goals and needs.

Additional Consequences Specific to Super Extreme DUIs in Arizona

A Super Extreme DUI doesn’t just trigger criminal penalties. It also sets off a series of administrative, financial, and long‑term consequences that many people aren’t aware of. 

Understanding these hidden or lesser‑known impacts can help you prepare more effectively and highlight why having an experienced defense attorney is essential.

MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) Consequences

  • Administrative License Suspension (ALS): Separate from your court case, the MVD can suspend your license immediately if your BAC was reported at 0.20% or higher.
  • Possible Extended Suspension: Depending on your record, an additional suspension may be imposed after conviction.
  • Points on Driving Record: A DUI adds 8 points, triggering mandatory Traffic Survival School.

Vehicle Impoundment

  • Arizona law allows police to impound your vehicle for up to 30 days, especially in high‑BAC situations or repeat offenses.
  • Owners are responsible for all towing and storage fees, which can quickly become expensive.

Mandatory Alcohol Screening & Treatment

  • Super Extreme DUI convictions require comprehensive alcohol screening.
  • Treatment plans may include counseling sessions, group classes, or extended behavioral programs.
  • Your ability to regain driving privileges depends on completing these requirements.

Employment & Professional Licensing Issues

A Super Extreme DUI can affect:

  • Commercial drivers (CDL holders)
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Teachers and school employees
  • Military members
  • Anyone in roles requiring background checks or security clearances

Travel Restrictions

Certain countries—including Canada—may deny entry to individuals with DUI convictions, even misdemeanors.

Financial Fallout Beyond Fines

  • Insurance SR‑22 Requirements: You may need to carry SR‑22 insurance for three years, often tripling your rates.
  • Interlock & Compliance Costs: Monthly maintenance fees, installation charges, and early removal penalties.
  • Lost Work Time: Jail sentences and mandatory programs often require time away from work.

Social & Personal Consequences

Many clients face:

  • Stress on family dynamics
  • Difficulty securing housing
  • Damage to professional reputation
  • Long‑term stigma from a public criminal record

These consequences can be overwhelming and show why defending a Super Extreme DUI requires far more than simply negotiating jail time. It demands a defense strategy that protects your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

Chad Pajerski provides the empathy and personalized attention his clients deserve during this difficult time. You’re more than a case number when you choose Pajerski Law. 

Why Clients Choose Attorney Chad Pajerski

Chad Pajerski provides a level of experience, care, and strategy that few attorneys can match:

  • Board-Certified Criminal Defense Specialist—a credential earned by fewer than 1% of Arizona attorneys.
  • Over 20 years of DUI and criminal defense experience.
  • Direct access to Chad—clients communicate with him personally, not through layers of staff.
  • Clear, strategic legal guidance tailored to each case.
  • Deep familiarity with Phoenix courts, judges, and prosecutors.
  • A reputation for patience, professionalism, and unwavering client support.
  • Affordable, transparent representation—you’ll never be price-gouged.

When facing a high-BAC DUI, experience isn’t optional—it’s essential. 

How Pajerski Law Helps You Fight a Super Extreme DUI

When you hire Attorney Chad Pajerski, you gain an advocate who understands the overwhelming weight a Super Extreme DUI places on your life, your future, and your loved ones. 

Chad approaches every case with precision, compassion, and a commitment to uncovering every possible advantage in your defense. His goal isn’t just to navigate the legal process, but to protect the things that matter most: your record and your opportunities moving forward.

Here’s what you can expect when working with Pajerski Law:

  • Comprehensive Case Review – Every element of the stop, arrest, and testing is analyzed for errors, inconsistencies, or violations of your constitutional rights.
  • Evidence‑Based Defense Strategies – Chad scrutinizes test results, challenges procedural mistakes, and identifies weaknesses in the prosecution’s version of events.
  • Aggressive Negotiation for Reduced Penalties – Even in high‑BAC cases, Chad has successfully reduced jail time, minimized fines, and negotiated outcomes that help protect clients’ long‑term futures.
  • Guidance Through Every Step of the Process – From the MVD hearing to court appearances and compliance requirements, Chad ensures you always understand what’s happening and what comes next.
  • Courtroom Advocacy – If your case goes to trial, Chad brings decades of experience in complex DUI litigation, using persuasive argument, strategic evidence challenges, and confident courtroom presence to defend your rights.

Chad understands that no two DUI cases are alike. He tailors his approach to the unique facts of your situation, the challenges you face, and the outcome you hope to achieve. With Pajerski Law, you are never processed like a case file. 

You are prioritized, protected, and supported at every turn.

Frequently Asked Questions About Super Extreme DUIs in Arizona

Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have when facing a Super Extreme DUI in Phoenix:

How long will a Super Extreme DUI stay on my record in Arizona?

A DUI conviction—whether standard, extreme, or super extreme—stays on your criminal record permanently in Arizona. It cannot be expunged, but in some cases, you may qualify for set‑aside relief.

Can I avoid jail time for a Super Extreme DUI?

Arizona law requires mandatory jail time, but an experienced attorney can often reduce the time actually served. This may involve alternative sentencing options, home detention, or negotiating a reduction to an Extreme or Standard DUI.

Will I lose my license immediately?

Possibly. If your BAC was above 0.20%, the MVD may issue an Administrative License Suspension. You may request a hearing to challenge it, but you must act quickly.

Do I need an ignition interlock device?

Yes. A first‑offense Super Extreme DUI requires at least 18 months of IID installation, and a second offense requires even more.

Can a Super Extreme DUI be reduced to a lesser charge?

Yes. Reductions are possible depending on the strength of the evidence, police procedures, BAC testing issues, and the negotiation skills of your attorney.

Will a Super Extreme DUI affect my job?

It can, especially for:

  • CDL holders
  • Government positions
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Teachers and school employees
  • Jobs requiring background checks or security clearance
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Patient, professional and sympathetic.
Criminal defense Law issues can be emotional and stressful. Chad is your advocate.
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Take comfort in knowing that you will never be price gouged for our high standards of service.

Contact a Super Extreme DUI Attorney in Phoenix

A Super Extreme DUI charge in Arizona can alter the course of your life, but you don’t have to face it alone. Attorney Chad Pajerski has built his career on defending people in your exact situation, helping them protect their rights, their record, and their future.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a Super Extreme DUI in Phoenix, act quickly. The decisions you make now can dramatically impact the outcome of your case.

Contact Pajerski Law today for a free, confidential consultation.

Attorney Chad Pajerski will listen to your story, answer your questions, and begin building the strongest defense possible.

Criminal Defense Attorney Chad Pajerski
Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law

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Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I've been stopped for a DUI in Phoenix?
  • Remain silent and request an attorney. Don't answer any questions beyond basic identification. You have the right to an attorney, and you should ask to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
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Can I get my DUI charges dropped?
  • Maybe. There are situations where charges can be dismissed due to procedural errors, faulty breathalyzer tests, or lack of probable cause for the arrest. An experienced DUI lawyer can analyze your case and explore your options.
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What are the potential penalties for a DUI in Phoenix?
  • For a first DUI offense, penalties include up to 10 days in jail, a $2,500 fine, a one-year driver's license suspension, mandatory DUI education or treatment, and an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) installation on the vehicle.
  • A second DUI offense within 7 years results in up to 90 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, a two-year license suspension, mandatory DUI education or treatment, IID installation, and at least 30 hours of community service.
  • A third offense within 7 years can result in up to a year in jail, a $7,500 fine, a three-year license suspension, required DUI education or treatment, and IID installation on the vehicle.
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How can a Phoenix DUI lawyer help me?

A skilled DUI lawyer can:

  • Fight to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
  • Negotiate on your behalf with prosecutors.
  • Represent you in court.
  • Guide you through the MVD hearing process to protect your driver's license.
  • Ensure you understand your legal rights throughout the case.

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What happens after I get arrested for DUI?
  • Following the arrest, you're booked and possibly released on bond.
  • You'll have an arraignment, at which you can enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest).
  • You may negotiate a plea deal or file motions if pleading not guilty.
  • If no plea deal is reached, the case goes to trial for a verdict.
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What are the next steps after a DUI arrest?
  • Contact a Phoenix DUI lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the better equipped you'll be to handle the situation and potentially minimize the impact on your life.
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lEGAL dISCLAIMER

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Pajerski Law's legal team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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