This week, it was announced that Steve May, a Republican candidate for the Arizona House of Representatives, has decided to call it quits following outing of his priorDUI conviction.  May is well-known for recruiting homeless people to run as Green Party candidates in several local elections.

His recent news follows a DUI arrest on June 26, 2009.  Supposedly, he was driving 83 mph on I-17 in north Phoenix when he was stopped by police.  The speed limit is 55 mph.

After being stopped by police, it was revealed that May had a blood alcohol concentration of .20 percent.  He was later charged with "super extreme" DUI.

Following his charges, May played guilty to driving under the influence of alcohol and had to serve 10 days in jail.  He was also sentenced to three years of probation and was reportedly taking the drug Vivitrol, which is used to treat alcoholics.

Have you been charged with a serious DUI offense?  Contact the Knowles Law Firm to get help from a Phoenix DUI attorney.

Arizona is one of the few states in the country that has something called "Extreme DUI" and "Super Extreme DUI."  Both of these offenses are enhanced versions of a basic  DUI charge:

Extreme DUI

A defendant will face Extreme DUI charges if his or her blood alcohol concentration is .15% or higher.  At this point, the driver's ability to safely operate a vehicle is severely compromised.  Extreme DUI is punishable by:

• A 90-day driver's license suspension
• Up to 5 years probation
• 30 days in jail
• Mandatory participation in an alcohol treatment program
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

A second Extreme DUI conviction will result in further enhanced penalties, such as:

• $2,000 or more in fines
• A 1-year driver's license revocation
• Up to 5 years probation
• 60 days in jail, 120 days total
• Mandatory participation in an alcohol treatment program
• Installation of an ignition interlock device

Super Extreme DUI

Super Extreme DUI charges will be brought against any driver found operating a vehicle with a BAC level of .20% or more.  This is the most serious DUI charge a person can face, and involves much higher penalties, including:

• 45 to 180 days in jail
• Installation of an ignition interlock device for 18 months
• Up to 5 years probation
• More than $3,000 in fines
• Driver's license suspension/revocation

Naturally, if you are charged with a second Super Extreme DUI, the penalties will be much harsher.