Phoenix DUI Attorneys

Experienced Phoenix DUI Defense Lawyer

When selecting your DUI defense lawyer, realize that your lawyer’s experience is very important. The way your DUI case is handled will have an influence on the outcome and your entire future. Having an experienced Phoenix DUI defense lawyer on your side can mean the difference between obtaining a good result or a bad result.

Serious Consequences for a DUI in Maricopa County

A conviction of a DUI in Maricopa County can have serious consequences. You may lose your driver’s license, experience a substantial increase in auto insurance rates, pay large fines and court costs, community service and possibly face jail time in Maricopa County, Arizona.

Don’t leave your future to chance. Call 800-852-8005 and talk to a Phoenix DUI Defense Attorney who knows how to fight for you. Don’t let your arrest report affect your job and your future; call 800-852-8005 immediately to discuss how to handle your DUI defense case in Maricopa County, Arizona.

After a DUI in Phoenix, there are 2 things that you need to consider:

1. Take your DUI arrest in Maricopa County very seriously. A conviction for a DUI in Maricopa County will have long lasting consequences on your life. A criminal record can affect your current employment, your future employment and your personal freedom. You can’t get your record expunged of a DUI in Maricopa County, Arizona.
2. Hire a qualified Phoenix DUI Defense Attorney who is experienced with the DUI laws in Arizona. Understanding Arizona’s DUI laws and Maricopa County’s’ courtroom procedures can be a challenge. Hiring an experienced DUI defense lawyer who’s practice concentrates on DUI, alcohol-related and drug-related defense can make a difference in the outcome of your DUI arrest in Maricopa County. For a FREE consultation and case review call a DUI defense attorney at 800-852-8005.

A Word of Warning about your Arizona Driver’s License

• A First-Time DUI Offender in Maricopa County will be facing a mandatory 90-day license suspension after a DUI arrest.
• A First-Time DUI Offender in Maricopa County will be facing a mandatory 1-year license suspension if a chemical test is refused.
• A Second-Time DUI Offender in Maricopa County will be facing a 1-year license revocation.

What happens to First-Time DUI Offenders in Maricopa County?

First-Time DUI Offender in Maricopa County, Arizona
Most DUI arrests in Maricopa County, Arizona involve 2 common DUI charges and offenders are commonly charged with both charges.

• Diving While Impaired ‘to the slightest degree’ by alcohol or drugs;
• Having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher within 2 hours of driving.

Your license will be taken and automatically suspended or revoked for a period of 90 days to 2 years depending on the number of priors.

A first offense Extreme DUI carries a minimum sentence of 30 days in jail, 21 of which can be suspended under certain conditions, but a First-Time DUI Offender will serve at least 10 days in jail.

First-Time DUI Offender Penalties (BAC .08 or higher):

Over 90% of DUI offenders in Arizona plead guilty. If you plead guilty as a First-Time DUI Offender, you will most likely face the following consequences:

• JAIL: Minimum 10 consecutive days in jail. Maximum 6 months. The court may suspend 9 of the 10 days if you agree to get an alcohol and/or drug evaluation, and submit to treatment.
• FINE & COSTS: A minimum of $1,500+ in fines and fees.
• LICENSE: The MVD will suspend your driver’s license for 90 days.
• COUNSELING: If recommended in your evaluation and you want the Judge to suspend all but 1 day in jail.
• PROBATION: You will probably be placed on probation, usually for 1 year, but possibly for up to 5 years.
• IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE: You will be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle.

First-Time DUI Offender-Extreme DUI (BAC above .15)

• JAIL: 30 consecutive days in jail. The Court may suspend 21 of the 30 days if you agree to get an alcohol and/or drug evaluation, and submit to treatment;
• FINE & COSTS: $250.00 fine, plus a $170 surcharge, plus two additional $1,000 assessment to the Arizona DUI abatement fund;
• LICENSE: The MVD will suspend your driver’s’ license for 90 days;
• COUNSELING: If recommended in your evaluation, the Judge may suspend all but 9 days in jail;
• PROBATION: You may be placed on probation for up to 5 years.
• IGNITION INTERLOCK DEVICE: You will be required to have an Ignition Interlock Device installed on your vehicle.

NOTE: Extreme DUI is still a misdemeanor, not a felony. However DUI arrests involving the following are commonly felonies with substantially greater penalties, as are repeat offenses with 2 or more prior DUIs:

• Passengers under 15 years old;
• Wrong-way driving;
• Driving while your license is suspended;

DUI Test Refusal in Maricopa County
If you refuse the BAC test in Maricopa County, your license may be suspended for 1 year. This is true even if you are found not guilty of the DUI charge in Maricopa County, AZ.

Alcohol Abuse Screening
First-Time DUI Offenders in Maricopa County must complete an alcohol abuse screening, in order to avoid jail time. The court may order you to obtain counseling, education, or treatment if the court or the screening facility determines that you have a substance abuse problem.

Restricted License in Arizona
If you didn’t cause serious physical injury to another person, haven’t been convicted of a prior DUI, you are entitled to a reduced punishment of a 30 day suspension and a 60 day restricted license.

A Restricted License in Arizona allows the driver to operate a motor vehicle to and from work, medical appointments, and counseling sessions.

Commercial Driver License in Arizona
If you have a Commercial Driver license (CDL) and are arrested while operating a commercial vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .04 or more:

FIRST-TIME CDL DUI OFFENDER

• You will be sentenced to serve not less than 10 days in jail, 9 days of which may be suspended with court-ordered screening and recommended treatment.
• Fine: minimum of $1,500 in fines and fees.
• Your license will be suspended for 1 year, and you may be sentenced to some community service.

SECOND-TIME CDL DUI OFFENDER

• You will be sentenced to serve not less than 90 days in jail, 30 days of which shall be served consecutively, and will not be eligible for probation. However, the judge may suspend all but 30 days of the sentence if the person completes a court ordered alcohol or other drug screening, education or treatment program.
• Fine: minimum of $3,000 in fines and fees.
• Permanent revocation of your CDL.

Underage Drinking and Driving in Maricopa County

DUI Under 21 in Maricopa County
Underage Drinking and Driving in Arizona is a serious offense and isn’t taken lightly by law enforcement in Maricopa County. An underage DUI has severe punishments and consequences.

If your under 21, a First-Time DUI violation with ANY detectable alcohol in your system (even a trace odor on your breath), you will have to serve a minimum of 10 days in jail and pay fines and fees of over $1,500. However, the judge may suspend the jail sentence under certain circumstances and order community service in place of some of the fees.

In addition, the consequences to your insurance and driver license can be even more severe. You will face a mandatory 2-year license suspension, you will need to purchase prepaid insurance (SR-22) for years, and your insurance company may drastically increase your rates or drop you completely.

Phoenix ☆ Scottsdale ☆ Glendale ☆ Tempe ☆ Mesa

Call 24/7 800-852-8005

Phoenix DUI Attorneys