Tempe, Arizona DUI Criminal Defense Attorney

If you received a DUI in Tempe, Arizona, it is crucial you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DUI attorney immediately. Being arrested for DUI is a serious offense that can have major repercussions, including fines, jail time, and loss of driving privileges. It is very important that anyone facing an Arizona DUI charge understand what challenges they will face. Call a Arizona DUI defense lawyer today for a fast and free consultation.

What happens if I was arrested for DUI in Tempe?

Under Arizona law, once you have been cited for violating the DUI statute, the state initiates two simultaneous, yet separate legal actions against you. The criminal action is in response to the ticket that was issued to you, while the administrative action is brought against your driver's license by the Arizona DPS (Department of Public Safety). While both actions can result in the suspension of your Arizona driving privileges, it is important to remember that there may be more penalties to consider and each action must be handled on their own.

Arizona Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Administrative Hearing

Pursuant to Arizona law, an individual has 15 (fifteen) days to request an Administrative Hearing from the Arizona DPS (Department of Public Safety). If you fail to request a hearing within 15 (fifteen) days, your right to the hearing is lost, and your driver's license in Arizona is automatically suspended for the applicable statutory time frame. In order to preserve your right to an administrative hearing, it is crucial that you submit your request to the Arizona Department of Public Safety within 15 (fifteen) days. Once the arresting officer retains your state issued driver's license, you are issued a "Notice of Suspension" which serves as your driver's license in lieu of the one retained by the officer until your Administrative Hearing. Contact a capable and skilled DUI defense lawyer in Tempe, Arizona to help, but do not delay.

DUI Penalties for First Time Offenders

• Monetary Fines - In Tempe, Arizona, fines for a first time DUI are a minimum of $250.00.
• Time in Jail - In Tempe, Arizona, a first time DUI / DWI offender faces jail time of at least 10 days in jail, without the option for probation or suspension of execution of sentence unless the entire sentence has been served.
• Arizona Driving Privileges and DUI - In Tempe, Arizona, a first time DUI / DWI conviction results in the revocation of Arizona driving privileges for 90 days.
• Alcohol Evaluation - Successful completion of a DUI alcohol and drug remedial education program is required for reinstatement of Arizona driving privileges.
• Commercial Drivers - Commercial drivers are in violation of the DUI statute with a BAC (Breath Alcohol Content) level of 0.04. A first time DWI / DUI conviction will result in the loss of the commercial driver's license for 1 year, while any subsequent DUI offenses will result in a lifetime loss of the commercial license.
• Chemical Test Refusal - Refusing to submit to a test when requested by law enforcement will result in the revocation of Arizona driver's license for 12 months.

DUI Subsequent Offenses

Penalties are increasingly more severe for any additional DUI violations. Due to the complexity of DUI laws in Arizona, you may not be aware of options and rights. This is why a capable and experienced defense lawyer can guide you through this emotionally challenging process. Please contact a Arizona DUI (DWI) attorney for a consultation.

Other Arizona DUI Costs

Beyond any fines and court costs you will have to pay in Tempe, Arizona, there are numerous other charges that can add up and cost you a lot of money. Some of the other costs for DUI might include:

• Vehicle Storage - After your vehicle is towed, it has to be stored somewhere in Tempe, Arizona, which is an additional cost.
• Towing - Having your vehicle towed can be quite expensive.
• Auto Insurance - On top of everything else, once you do get your driver's license back, there is a good chance your monthly premium is going to be higher.
• Loss of Wages - When you begin to add in the money lost by missing work, the amount really begins to add up quickly.

There are many "hidden costs" when it comes to getting a DUI in Tempe, Arizona. This is why you should contact a capable and experienced DUI defense lawyer for a consultation.

Extreme DUI

Title 28-1382: Driving Under the Influence with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .15 or more (Extreme DUI)

ARS 28-1382 -It is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle in this state if the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.15 or more within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle. A person who is convicted of a violation of this section is guilty of driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the extreme influence of intoxicating liquor. A conviction of Extreme DUI is considered a misdemeanor criminal conviction.

This is why it is crucial you seek the legal advice of an accomplished and knowledgeable DUI attorney immediately. Call today for a fast and free consultation.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.