In the state of Arizona, the DUI court process begins with a DUI arrest. In most cases, law enforcement is motivated to pull over a potential DUI offender based on speeding, reckless driving, aggressive driving or erratic driving. Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Tests or Breathalyzer Tests are administered upon pulling over a potential offender. Multiple field sobriety tests may be employed to determine one’s level of intoxication and impairment, and if your blood alcohol measures the following, you will taken into custody and charged with DUI.
Arizona Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Ratios:
- Under 21 years of age: 0.00% (Zero Tolerance)
- 21 years of age or older: 0.08%
- Commercial Vehicle Operator: 0.04%
- Extreme DUI: 0.15% or higher
Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Hearings
Following an arrest, offenders are taken to jail to await the posting of bail, which may vary in amount depending on the circumstances of one’s case and any prior convictions they may have. Within ten days of your arrest and release from jail, you must schedule a mandatory DMV hearing, which will determine whether or not your driver’s license will be suspended temporarily or permanently or revoked entirely. If incarcerated, these hearings may take place over the phone and under specific circumstances you may be eligible to have your license suspension waived. Aligning yourself with a successful DUI defense lawyer well versed in Arizona-specific laws will equip you with the necessary counsel to enter into a DMV hearing with confidence. The window in which you may impact the suspension of your license is brief, and if you fail to schedule your hearing within 10 days, your license will automatically suspend within 30-days.
Arizona DUI Arraignment
An arraignment is the next step in the DUI court process and is a formal hearing where you plead either guilty or not guilty after being charged with driving under the influence of an illegal substance. At this point, a DUI defense lawyer may attempt to enter a plea bargain where the offender may plead guilty to a lesser charge in an effort to minimize fines, jail time and negative impacts on one’s driving and criminal records.
DUI Trial Proceedings
Following an arraignment is the actual DUI trail, which may take consecutive days as a result of prolonged jury selection. With the opening of a DUI trial, statements are provided by both prosecution and defense with examination and cross-examination of key witnesses, which is then followed by final statements on both sides and the eventual verdict of the jury. A verdict of guilty or not guilty is determined by the judge, who then decides on the appropriate sentence. Throughout these proceedings it is of the utmost importance to align yourself with a skilled DUI defense lawyer who will represent your case effectively and will negotiate on your behalf.
Contact a Skilled Arizona DUI Defense Lawyer Today
With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Arizona DUI Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 877-887-4541.
[h4a]Phoenix DUI Defense Lawyer[/h4a]
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