Fresno Extreme DUI Attorney

Facing an Extreme DUI in Fresno? Immediate Action Can Make All the Difference

In Fresno, an extreme DUI is characterized by a significantly higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than a standard DUI. Typically, an extreme DUI is defined by a BAC of 0.15% or higher. This elevated level of intoxication can lead to more severe penalties for those convicted. 

The laws surrounding extreme DUI in Fresno are stringent due to the increased risk posed to public safety, which often translates to harsher fines, longer license suspensions, and potentially more time in custody compared to standard DUI offenses. The repercussions of a conviction might include enrolling in alcohol education programs, mandatory ignition interlock devices, and increased insurance premiums.

Hiring an experienced extreme DUI attorney in Fresno who is well-versed in local DUI laws can be pivotal in navigating the complexities of such charges. Additionally, understanding the intricacies of how Fresno enforces DUI laws is essential. This includes the protocols that officers must follow during roadside checks and the calibration standards for breathalyzer devices, which could influence the evidence used against you.

Call (559) 257-4707 now to speak with a skilled Fresno extreme DUI attorney or contact us online to schedule your free legal consultation. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense can be.

What Is Considered an Extreme DUI in Fresno?

California Vehicle Code §23152(b) states that it is unlawful to operate a vehicle with a BAC of 0.08% or higher. However, when a BAC reaches 0.15% or greater, it becomes an aggravated offense, even if no accident occurred. The court considers drivers with this level of alcohol impairment to be at much higher risk of causing harm to others. When BAC readings hit 0.20% or higher, additional sentencing enhancements may be applied.

In these situations, working with a Fresno extreme DUI offense lawyer is critical. High BAC cases often include added penalties such as longer DUI education programs, stricter probation terms, and mandatory alcohol treatment.

What are the Penalties for Extreme DUI Offenses in California?

An extreme DUI charge carries enhanced penalties compared to a standard first-offense DUI. These penalties increase with prior convictions, aggravating circumstances, or refusal to cooperate with testing.

First-Time Extreme DUI (BAC 0.15%–0.19%)

• Jail time: Up to 6 months in county jail
• Fines: Base fines between $390–$1,000 (with penalty assessments, total can exceed $2,000)
• License suspension: Up to 6 months; restricted license possible with ignition interlock device (IID)
• DUI school: 6- to 9-month DUI education program
• Probation: Typically 3 to 5 years of informal probation
• IID requirement: Typically mandatory for license reinstatement

High-Level BAC (0.20% and above)

If your BAC was 0.20% or greater, additional consequences include:

• Longer DUI education: 9-month or 30-month alcohol treatment program
• Possible longer jail sentence
• Mandatory participation in AA or a residential treatment program

Defending an extreme DUI charge requires a strategic approach, often involving an examination of the arrest process, BAC testing protocols, and the arresting officer’s conduct. By working with Wapner Jones, PC, you benefit from our insights as former prosecutors, which we leverage to scrutinize the prosecution’s case rigorously.

Our defense strategies also focus on challenging the admissibility and accuracy of evidence. This could include questioning the reliability of breath and blood tests and analyzing the training and credibility of the arresting officer. Our legal team's ability to pinpoint weaknesses in the prosecution's case can often lead to a favorable negotiation or even case dismissal.

What are Aggravating Factors That Can Further Increase Penalties in an Extreme DUI Case?

Even within the context of an extreme DUI, there are several aggravating factors that can significantly increase your exposure to enhanced sentencing. These include:

• DUI with a minor in the vehicle (under age 14)
• Speeding or reckless driving while impaired
• Causing an accident or injury
• Prior DUI convictions within 10 years
• Refusing to submit to chemical testing

Each of these elements can trigger additional charges or sentence enhancements. If multiple aggravating circumstances are present, a DUI can even be charged as a felony. A Fresno extreme DUI attorney will evaluate every detail of your case to challenge the inclusion of such factors wherever possible.

What to Do After an Extreme DUI Arrest in Fresno?

Taking the right steps early on can have a significant impact on your case. Here’s how to protect yourself:

1. Request a DMV hearing within 10 days to preserve your license rights.
2. Hire a Fresno extreme DUI offense lawyer immediately to begin building your defense.
3. Document everything you remember about the stop, arrest, and testing process.
4. Avoid discussing your case with anyone but your attorney.
5. Comply with court orders and bail conditions, including any monitoring or sobriety requirements.

Every move you make following your arrest can affect the outcome of your case. Having legal counsel guide you through each phase is essential.

Why Having Local Knowledge is Important for Your Fresno Extreme DUI Representation?

Fresno’s unique legal environment demands a law firm familiar with not just state laws but also local court systems and prosecutors. Our attorneys, Terry Wapner and David Jones, have cultivated strong relationships and a deep understanding of the local context, offering an advantageous perspective for our clients facing extreme DUI charges.

Terry Wapner is among the few in the region certified as a Field Sobriety Test instructor, bringing invaluable insights into the procedural aspects of DUI enforcement. Meanwhile, David Jones’s experience as a Police Academy Instructor further strengthens our defensive efforts, understanding the enforcement side intimately.

Our involvement in the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association as founding members underscores our commitment to excellence in DUI defense. This role allows us to remain at the forefront of legal advancements and networking opportunities, directly benefiting our clients through innovative defense tactics and a robust support system.

Given the severity of the charges, having an experienced legal advocate is essential. The legal landscape in Fresno is complex, and the stakes are high in Extreme DUI cases. At Wapner Jones, PC, we focus exclusively on DUI-related offenses and bring a unique perspective to each case, thanks to our extensive background as former prosecutors. This experience allows us to view each case from multiple angles and build a robust defense strategy tailored to the specifics of extreme DUI.

Contact Us for Expert Fresno Extreme DUI Defense

If you or a loved one is facing Extreme DUI charges in Fresno, taking swift and informed action is essential. At Wapner Jones, PC, our seasoned team offers dedicated support and robust defense strategies crafted from decades of prosecutorial experience. We are committed to securing the best possible outcome and guiding you every step of the way.

Call (559) 257-4707 today to schedule a complimentary consultation and discover how we can fight for your rights and future. Take the first step towards regaining control with the backing of Fresno’s dedicated extreme DUI defense team.