Phoenix DUI Attorney

What Arizona laws consider driving under the influence:

Hiring a knowledgeable DUI attorney in Phoenix who fully understands Arizona's laws and procedures is essential when facing drunk driving allegations. A DUI lawyer can also protect your legal rights and defend you from the penalties you face.

DUI Process Defined in Phoenix

All Arizona DUI cases will result in two separate legal processes: a criminal case and an administrative hearing with the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).

MVD Hearings

MVD administrative hearings concern only your driving privileges and are separate from criminal proceedings. MVD hearings do not address whether you are guilty of committing the criminal act of driving under the influence, and will not result in any other criminal penalties aside from driver's license suspension. In Phoenix, after a DUI arrest, you must request an MVD hearing within 15 days or face an automatic license suspension.

Criminal Case

The DUI process will also involve proceedings in a criminal court, where you will be charged for violating an Arizona law.

Criminal proceedings will concerns whether you are guilty or innocent of the charge at hand and will determine which criminal penalties you will face. In some DUI cases, you may also be able to reach agreements to reduce or dismiss charges / penalties.

DUI Penalties & Effects on Your Life

With any drunk driving charge, individuals face criminal and administrative penalties.

If convicted of driving under the influence, an individual will face criminal penalties such as:

• Possible jail time
• Fines
• Driver's license suspension
• Drug or alcohol counseling
• Ignition interlock device (IID)

Aside from these consequences, there are also collateral consequences. Some of these collateral consequences are mandated by statute and others are simply consequences of a drunk driving conviction. Listed below are some common collateral consequences of DUI offenses.

• ​​​​​Increased insurance rates or loss of coverage
• Loss of professional licenses, including nursing, teaching, and legal licenses
• Loss of employment
• Inability to pass security clearances

Our criminal defense lawyers in Phoenix understand how far-reaching the consequences of a DUI are, which is why our ultimate goal is to get your DUI charges dismissed or reduced to a lower charge such as reckless driving.

Understanding Your Rights During a DUI Stop

It's important to know and understand your rights if you are pulled over for suspicion of driving under the influence. Our experienced Phoenix DUI attorneys can provide you with valuable information on what to do and say during a DUI stop to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcome for your case.

Key rights to remember during a DUI stop include:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to refuse field sobriety tests
• The right to request an independent blood alcohol test
• The right to legal representation

Knowing and asserting your rights during a DUI stop can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Contact our Phoenix DUI attorneys for expert legal guidance and representation.

Will I Lose My License After a DUI Arrest?

Facing a DUI arrest in Phoenix can be overwhelming, especially with the possibility of losing your driving privileges. Whether or not you will lose your license after a DUI arrest depends on several factors, including whether you submitted to a chemical test and your prior DUI history.

In Arizona, under the state's Implied Consent Law, you are required to submit to a blood, breath, or urine test if law enforcement suspects you of driving under the influence. If you refuse to take the test, your license will be automatically suspended for one year, regardless of the outcome of your DUI case. This is an administrative penalty imposed by the Arizona Department of Transportation and is separate from any criminal charges you may face.

If you take the test and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher, or 0.04% or higher if you're operating a commercial vehicle, your license will also be subject to suspension. It’s important to note that you have the right to request a hearing to challenge the suspension of your license. An experienced Phoenix DUI lawyer can assist you in navigating this process, presenting evidence, and advocating on your behalf to potentially retain your driving privileges.

Losing your license can significantly impact your daily life, but understanding your rights and options is crucial. With proper legal guidance, you may be able to minimize the impact of a DUI arrest on your ability to drive.

Exploring DUI Defense Strategies

When facing a DUI charge, it's crucial to have a strong defense strategy in place to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences. Our experienced Phoenix DUI attorneys at Knowles Law Firm, PLC are well-versed in a variety of defense tactics that can be tailored to your specific case.

Some common DUI defense strategies include:

• Challenging the legality of the traffic stop
• Questioning the accuracy of field sobriety tests
• Disputing the results of breathalyzer or blood tests
• Arguing for a reduction in charges or penalties
• Negotiating for alternative sentencing options

By working closely with our skilled legal team, you can explore all possible defense strategies and options to achieve the best possible outcome for your DUI case. Contact Knowles Law Firm, PLC today to schedule a consultation and start building your defense.

Contact the Phoenix DUI lawyers at Knowles Law Firm, PLC for a FREE review by calling (602) 702-5431 or using our online contact form.

DUI Resources