Mesa DUI Attorney
Arizona has some of the harshest penalties for those who are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI). A Mesa DUI lawyer can provide legal support for you or a loved one who has been charged with a DUI.
The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, is well-equipped to handle complex DUI cases. Whether you are concerned about the consequences of a mistake or if you believe that there has been a miscarriage of justice, our compassionate team can support you and aggressively fight a DUI charge.
DUI Lawyer
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today at (844) 707-9356 for your Free Consultation!
DUI Charges in Arizona Explained
There are various types of DUI charges in Arizona. These include DUI, Extreme DUI, and Aggravated DUI. The type of charge you can face depends on various factors like your blood alcohol level or whether it is a first-time DUI offense or not. Each charge carries potential jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges, with aggravated DUIs resulting in the most serious consequences of the three.
When you apply for and receive a driver’s license in Arizona, you agree to submit yourself to testing for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) or drug concentration under the Implied Consent Law if you are stopped and asked by law enforcement. Refusing to submit to a blood or chemical test following a lawful stop can lead to a loss of driving privileges.
Below is a detailed breakdown of specific Arizona DUI charges and associated penalties.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A person who is operating a passenger vehicle or is in possession of a vehicle and who has a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or more can face a DUI charge. A DUI charge can also be levied against a commercial vehicle driver who has a BAC of 0.04 or more if a driver refuses to submit to a field sobriety test.
A first-time DUI conviction can result in a minimum of 10 days in jail and a fine of at least $1,250. A convicted person can also face a license suspension of 90 days and is required to have a certified ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle for a period of time following their license reinstatement. Those convicted of a DUI may be required to participate in counseling or alcohol or drug treatment programs.
Extreme DUI
Extreme DUI is charged when a driver’s BAC is 0.15 or above. The penalties for this charge can include three months in jail and a fine of at least $3,000. Additional penalties associated with a regular DUI can apply in an Extreme DUI.
Aggravated DUI
The most serious of these DUI charges, Aggravated DUI is a felony offense. You can face a felony DUI charge when found operating a vehicle while impaired and if the following applies:
- It is a third or subsequent DUI within an 84-month period.
- A minor under the age of 15 is in the vehicle.
- You are driving with a certified ignition interlock device.
- You have a suspended, revoked, or canceled license.
- You are driving in the wrong direction on a highway.
A person convicted of aggravated DUI in Arizona is required to serve at least four months in prison. They are also required to pay $4,000 in fines and may lose their driving privileges for 12 months.
How a Mesa DUI Lawyer Can Help
Given the severe penalties associated with a DUI conviction, anyone facing DUI charges should strongly consider consulting a seasoned Mesa DUI attorney to assist in fighting the accusation in an Arizona court.
With a knowledgeable attorney by your side, you can present a strong defense against a DUI charge. You may be able to demonstrate that you were not operating a vehicle or that you were unlawfully stopped before your arrest. A skilled DUI attorney in Mesa, AZ may also be able to challenge the accuracy of blood, urine, or chemical tests administered during a stop or after an arrest.
FAQs
A: The cost of a DUI lawyer in Arizona is related to multiple factors, including the complexity of a case and the attorney’s years of practice in DUI defense. The cost of representation for a first-time DUI case may be less than a second DUI charge or an aggravated DUI, which may require a greater investment of an attorney’s time and effort.
A: Yes, it is worth getting a lawyer for a DUI in Arizona. As a state with harsh DUI laws, the penalties for a DUI conviction in Arizona can be severe. Navigating the criminal justice system on your own can place you at a significant disadvantage. An attorney who understands the legal process can help you obtain the most ideal outcome in your case.
A: A lawyer may be able to get your DUI charges dismissed in Arizona, depending on the circumstances of your case. They can file a motion to dismiss if law enforcement or prosecutors made procedural errors or if there is insufficient evidence in the case. Additionally, a skilled attorney can build a strong defense to challenge the prosecution’s case, which can lead to an acquittal.
A: The ideal defense for a DUI depends on the facts of the case. Some effective defense strategies include proving that the stop leading to the DUI charge was unlawful or challenging the results of a field sobriety test. If applicable, it can also be effective to raise doubts about law enforcement’s conduct during the arrest – including pointing out the improper administration of tests or a violation of your Miranda Rights.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC at (844) 609-0216 for your Consultation with a Phoenix Protective Order legal specialist.
Contact a Mesa DUI Lawyer Today
A DUI conviction cannot only impose limits in the present, leading to potential prison time, fines, and loss of driving privileges. A conviction also can pose a threat to your future, as having a criminal record can be detrimental if you face a charge in the future, or if you are looking for a job or housing.
When you work with a compassionate Mesa DUI lawyer from The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, you can rest assured that you are receiving personalized attention and support. No two cases are the same. We work tirelessly to achieve an optimal outcome in your case and keep you informed throughout each stage. Contact our office today to learn more about how we can help.