Arizona police have released Charles Barkley's blood alcohol content level when he was pulled on suspicion of DUI last week -- and it was significantly higher than the legal limit.

Police tell ET that Barkley's BAC was .149 when he was stopped by police -- almost twice the legal limit of .08.

Barkley was arrested in Scottsdale, AZ last month after he allegedly failed to stop his 2005 Infiniti at a stop sign. The police officer who stopped him allegedly smelled "intoxicating liquor," and then administered field sobriety tests. Police told ET that the officer established probable cause and arrested Barkley for driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor -- a misdemeanor.

Barkley's car was towed and he was taken to a police station, where a blood test was administered, and he was cited and released.

Former basketball great Barkley's lawyer told ET that his firm has begun an "independent investigation into the facts" of Barkley's drunk driving charges.

"Mr. Barkley, who has no prior DUI convictions, believes wholeheartedly in the court system and is cooperating fully with the court's process," said attorney Scott Maasen.

"Mr. Barkley wishes to thank family, friends and his ardent fans for their tremendous outpouring of support during this difficult time," he went on to say.