Scottsdale DUI Attorney
When an individual is charged with a DUI, the state prosecution takes legal proceedings extremely seriously. Therefore, it is imperative that you retain the counsel and representation of a Scottsdale DUI lawyer who treats your defense with just as much gravitas and fights for the protection of your rights and future. Facing these kinds of charges can be a frightening experience, and the confidence offered by a skilled criminal defense attorney is crucial.
With some of the harshest DUI laws and penalties in the country, Arizona is not lenient when it comes to convicting individuals of these crimes. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, our firm is dedicated to ensuring all of our clients receive the representation they are due under state and federal law. We are committed to doing the necessary work to seek a reduction or even a dismissal of the DUI charges you are facing. Let us assist you during this difficult time.
Navigating the complex legal world surrounding DUI charges can be challenging, but with the help of a skilled Scottsdale DUI attorney, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the right people in your corner.
DUI Lawyer
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC today at (844) 707-9356 for your Free Consultation!
Common Kinds of DUIs in Scottsdale, AZ
In most DUI cases in Scottsdale, Arizona, an individual is charged with this crime when they are allegedly found to be operating a motorized vehicle with a blood alcohol content level or a BAC of 0.08% or higher. They may also be charged with a DUI while driving impaired in even the slightest degree. This charge can occur without a relevant blood or chemical test or without the police officer obtaining a breath sample.
Additionally, there are several subcategories of DUI charges that may arise depending on the unique factors of each DUI case. These subcategories can include:
- Extreme DUI: This charge can occur when an individual has allegedly been operating their vehicle or is in physical control of the vehicle with a blood alcohol content level between 0.15%-0.199%, regardless of whether or not the driver is acting impaired.
- CDL or Rideshare DUI: A charge of this nature occurs when an individual operating a commercial vehicle, such as a commercial truck, or a rideshare or vehicle for hire, such as a taxi, is found to have a blood alcohol content level of 0.04% or higher.
- Minor DUI: When an individual who is under the legal drinking age of 21 is found to be driving with any kind of blood alcohol content level, a charge of this nature may be handed down.
- Drugged Driving DUI: It may come as a surprise that alcohol is not the only substance that may result in a DUI. If an individual is found to be driving under the influence and impaired by an illegal drug or even a prescription medication, they may be charged with a DUI. These substances can include marijuana, cocaine, LSD, Xanax, Valium, and even over-the-counter medications such as cough syrup.
- Super Extreme DUI: A charge of this nature might occur if an individual is found to be driving their vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of 0.20% or higher. These charges can occur whether or not that driver is actually impaired.
- Felony Aggravated DUI: A felony aggravated DUI does not necessarily refer to the level of alcohol in the individual’s blood but rather refers to whether or not there were any aggravated circumstances involved. These circumstances might involve the operation of a vehicle under the influence of drugs and alcohol when a minor under the age of 15 was in the vehicle or driving when your license has been suspended or revoked or driving the wrong way on the highway.
Each of these subcategories of DUI charges has its own set of unique penalties, each one serious and having the potential to cause devastating harm to your personal and professional life. This is why it is so important that you hire the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney when facing charges of driving under the influence in the state of Arizona. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we hope to do everything in our power to mitigate this harm.
How The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC Can Help You When Facing DUI Charges in Scottsdale
There are several benefits to hiring a Scottsdale DUI Lawyer to represent you during a DUI case. Though an attorney is not required to represent you during these times, the value of having one on your side to collect evidence, handle all negotiations, and ultimately fight for you in court should your case move to trial is irreplaceable. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, our team is dedicated to ensuring your rights and freedoms are protected, along with the security of your future.
We can work hard to prevent the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, ensure that your rights are properly protected under state law, fight for a reduction of any necessary jail time should a conviction occur, look for possible mistakes made by the prosecution in order to seek suppression of evidence or a reduction or dismissal of charges and seek to receive a shorter time frame for certain penalties such as the installation of an ignition interlock device.
At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, our team of award-winning professionals can tailor our approach to your defense to personally suit your needs and interests in your DUI case. Our number one priority is your defense and the security of your future and freedoms as we fight aggressively against the DUI charge you are facing.
Consequences for a DUI Conviction in Scottsdale, Arizona
There are several consequences that can vary in severity when it comes to a DUI conviction in the state of Arizona. These consequences tend to depend on the nature of the charge and the factors that were involved. Penalties for a DUI conviction in Arizona can be as follows:
- First Offense of a Regular DUI or Drug DUI: No less than ten days spent consecutively in jail, fines totaling up to $250, and possible community restitution, along with the possibility for mandatory alcohol treatment or classes.
- Second Offense of a Regular DUI or Drug DUI: No less than 90 days spent in jail, the payment of a fine totaling no less than $500, at least 30 hours of community restitution, and the penalty of having your driver’s license revoked for at least one year, while also being mandated to perform certain alcohol courses or treatments.
- First Offense of an Extreme DUI: 30 days of mandatory jail time, fines that could total upwards of $2,700, possible mandatory community service hours, and mandatory attendance at a traffic survival school course.
- Second Offense of an Extreme DUI: A jail sentence of no less than 120 days, fines upward of $3,800, and at least 30 hours of mandatory community service required.
- First Offense of a Super Extreme DUI: A jail sentence of up to 45 days, paying fines of up to $3,200, mandatory alcohol treatments or classes, and the installment of an ignition interlock device for up to 18 months.
- Second Offense of a Super Extreme DUI: A jail sentence lasting up to 180 days, fines up to $4,700, 30 hours of community service, and the installment of an ignition interlock device for up to 24 months.
- Felony Aggravated DUI: Penalties for this kind of DUI charge depend on the nature of the aggravating circumstance. Individuals facing this charge can expect some kind of combination of fines, jail time, community service, and mandatory alcohol classes or treatments.
In addition to these legal penalties, you may also face certain personal consequences depending on the nature of your DUI charge. These can include harm done to your personal or professional reputation, the loss of employment or future employment opportunities, the loss of your right to vote or to own, purchase, or bear arms, and the loss of certain relationships, such as child custody.
For all of these reasons, hiring the legal assistance of a Scottsdale DUI attorney is essential.
Common Defenses for Scottsdale, Arizona DUI Charges
There are several defenses that your Scottsdale, AZ DUI attorney may be able to use when arguing against a DUI conviction. The use of these defenses ultimately depends on the nature of your DUI charge and any aggravating circumstances that may be involved. These defenses may include one or more of the following:
- A Violation of the Right to Counsel
- Breath Test Inaccuracy
- Illegal Traffic Stop
- Arrest Without Probable Cause
- Lack of Evidence in Driving or Actual Physical Control
- Violation of Miranda Warning
- Incorrect Administration of Field Sobriety Test
- Medical Condition
- Involuntary Intoxication
- Mistaken Symptoms
At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, our team can sit down with you and look over the details of your DUI arrest in order to determine which course of action in your defense fits the nuances of your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
In Arizona, there are several factors that will play into the final cost analysis when a lawyer represents you in a DUI case. Each of these factors can impact your attorney’s fees, which is why it can be difficult to offer an exact estimate of how much your attorney might charge. These factors can include how long the case takes to reach a conclusion, the complexities involved in the case, and the location and experience of your attorney.
Though not required by Arizona law, obtaining a DUI Lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ to represent you and your interests in a DUI case is essential when trying to protect your rights and freedoms. Your attorney can work to uncover and organize new evidence to prove your innocence, can handle all negotiations on your behalf with the prosecution to pursue possible reductions or dismissals, and is able to represent you should your case move to a court trial.
Yes, you can refuse a breathalyzer test in Scottsdale. Keep in mind, however, that if you decide to take this route, there are several consequences. You could face a suspension of your driver’s license simply for refusing this test. The responding police officer can also request that a judge write a warrant to have your blood drawn for testing without your consent.
Yes, a DUI conviction can affect your Arizona employment, especially in cases where you need your driver’s license in order to perform the duties of your job. A DUI conviction can also show up on any background check should you pursue other avenues of employment. If you work in certain fields, such as healthcare or education, a DUI conviction can also lead to disciplinary action, as you will be required to report your conviction to licensing boards.
Call The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC at (844) 609-0216 for your Consultation with a Phoenix Protective Order legal specialist.
Speak with a Trusted Scottsdale DUI Defense Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a charge on the grounds of a DUI in Scottsdale, Arizona, you need the legal assistance of a trusted and experienced criminal defense attorney who can review the details of your case and offer their determination on what is the right course of legal action to take for your defense. At The Law Office of Joshua A. Lopez, LLC, we make it our goal to secure our clients the protections they deserve when facing these charges.
Contact our office today and learn more about how we might be of service to you. From your initial consultation with our attorney, we hope to allow you the peace of mind, knowing that you have the right legal team in your corner, ready to do whatever it takes to fight for your protections and for the justice you deserve. A DUI charge can be a difficult circumstance, but you don’t have to face it alone. We are here for you.