According to news reports today, former NBA star and TV personality, Charles Barkley, pled guilty to DUI in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is set to begin a five day jail sentence on March 21st. He must also pay fines totalling approximately $2000, attend an alcohol treatment program and install an ignition interlock device on his vehicles. According to Court records, Barkley had a blood-alcohol level of .149%.

The penalties are not in keeping with what you would expect for a DUI in Los Angeles or Orange County with similar circumstances. Jail time would not normally be imposed and an ignition interlock device is not normally required on a first offense. However, Courts are increasingly looking to impose more than the standard minimum penalties and this makes it more important than ever to consult with an experienced DUI attorney.