MISDEMEANOR DUIS IN ARIZONA

Arizona enforces some of the harshest DUI penalties in the nation, with law enforcement frequently conducting DUI task force operations to catch impaired drivers, whether for minor traffic violations like improper turns or more serious offenses such as speeding or reckless driving. Being charged with a DUI in Arizona can have severe consequences, even for first-time offenders, including mandatory jail time, substantial fines, probation, and loss of driving privileges. To protect your rights and navigate the complexities of DUI law, it’s essential to have an experienced DUI attorney advocating on your behalf to help secure the best possible outcome.
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How We Can Assist with Your Arizona Misdemeanor DUI

Facing an extreme DUI in Arizona can be overwhelming, with significant consequences for your personal, professional, and financial life. At Arizona DUI Law Firm, we are committed to guiding you through this difficult time by thoroughly understanding your case and crafting a personalized legal strategy. We carefully examine the details of your arrest and the evidence against you, ensuring a defense tailored to your unique situation. Whether through skilled negotiation or strong courtroom representation, our goal is to minimize the impact of the charges, seeking reduced penalties or plea bargains when possible. Beyond legal support, we help manage the emotional stress and any post-trial obligations. Let Arizona DUI Law Firm be your advocate, providing comprehensive support and helping you move forward with confidence.

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  • WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET A MISDEMEANOR DUI
    A DUI conviction can have long-lasting consequences, impacting your driving record for at least seven years and potentially affecting your job prospects and financial stability. At Arizona DUI Law Firm, we understand the serious implications of a DUI conviction and have successfully represented thousands of clients facing these challenging situations. Our team’s experience as former police officers, DUI prosecutors, and defense attorneys gives us a unique advantage in defending DUI cases efficiently and aggressively. With professional expertise and a commitment to providing personalized attention to each client, we are the ideal choice for your legal representation.
  • WHAT THE MISDEMEANOR STATUTE SAYS

    Under Arizona Revised Statute §28.1381, it is illegal for anyone to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle under specific conditions. These include: being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, vapor-releasing substances, or a combination thereof, if the individual is impaired to even the slightest degree. A DUI can also be charged if a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving, or 0.04 or more if they are driving a commercial vehicle requiring a commercial driver’s license. In Arizona, a person can be arrested and prosecuted for DUI even without exceeding the legal BAC limit, as prosecutors only need to prove that the driver was “impaired to the slightest degree” to safely operate the vehicle.

  • PENALTIES FOR MISDEMEANOR DUIS

    A person convicted of a misdemeanor DUI as a first-time offender still faces severe penalties. These include a maximum sentence of six months in jail and up to $2,500 in fines. Normally, however, the penalties for a first-time DUI conviction involve:

    1. 10 days in jail – court may require only 1 day with drug/alcohol evaluation and completion of recommended substance abuse treatment program Fines, fees, and costs of approximately
    2. 90-day driver’s license suspension
    3. Probation up to five years
    4. Ignition Interlock after license re-instatement for twelve months 8 points assessed against the driver’s license and requirement to attend traffic safety school
  • EFFECT ON YOUR LICENSE WITH A DUI
     

    In Arizona, individuals charged with DUI may face not only criminal proceedings but also Administrative Per Se (APS) hearings, which focus solely on the status of their driver’s license. These hearings are managed by the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) and are independent of the criminal DUI case.

    Key Aspects of APS Hearings:

    • License Suspension: After a DUI arrest, your license can be temporarily suspended, and the arresting officer will issue a Notice of Suspension. This document acts as a temporary driving permit for 15 days, during which time you can request an APS hearing to contest the suspension.

    • Hearing Request: You must submit a request for an APS hearing within the 15-day window. If not, your driver’s license will automatically be suspended for a designated period.

    • Hearing Overview: At the APS hearing, an administrative law judge will review the facts of your DUI arrest, including whether the officer had probable cause to stop you and whether you agreed to or refused chemical testing.

    • Outcome: Based on the hearing, the judge will either reinstate your driving privileges or uphold the suspension. The duration of the suspension depends on factors such as prior offenses or a refusal to submit to testing.

    Although APS hearings are separate from the criminal DUI proceedings, both can impact your future. It’s important to seek experienced legal counsel to navigate the complexities of both processes.

"Harper Pollock from Arizona DUI Law Firm played a crucial role in getting my DUI case dismissed, and I couldn’t be more thankful. The incident occurred as I was leaving a Phoenix Suns game, and it was an incredibly stressful time. Harper's knowledge and dedication to my case were outstanding. What really impressed me was her attention to the details of my Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) tests, which led to the state dropping the charges. Her relentless pursuit of justice and meticulous approach were key in securing this favorable outcome.

I am deeply appreciative of Harper Pollock's professionalism and determination in resolving my case. I highly recommend Arizona DUI Law Firm and Harper’s services to anyone facing similar legal challenges."