Criminal Defense & DUI Attorneys

Name: Best Law Firm
Address: 9383 E Bahia Dr, Ste 100, Scottsdale, AZ, 85260
Telephone: (480) 219-2433

What You Need to Know About Criminal and DUI Law in Arizona.

Criminal & DUI Attorneys

How We Help

If you have been charged with a DUI, turn to the trusted criminal defense attorneys at Best Law Firm. Our team of attorneys has both prosecution and criminal defense experience. We know what it takes to defend your case and provide practical advice related to negotiating a plea offer versus taking a case to trial. With our in-depth experience in the criminal justice system, we can effectively guide you through every stage of the proceeding and help defend your case. Call Best Law Firm today and talk to an attorney to find out about your options.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal and DUI Law

What is a DUI in Arizona?

Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws in the country. Under Arizona law, a person may be charged with a DUI if it can be proven that they were operating a vehicle and (1) had a Blood Alcohol Count (BAC) over .08, or (2) if the driver is impaired to the slightest degree regardless of BAC. Being impaired to the slightest degree means that under Arizona law, a person may be charged with a DUI, even if their BAC is well below .08, as long as a police officer or other witness is able to prove that the driver was impaired even to the slightest degree due to alcohol or drugs.

What does it mean to be a “Zero Tolerance State?”

Arizona being a “Zero Tolerance State” means that under Arizona law, a person can be charged with a DUI with any BAC level, even under .08, as long as a police officer or other witness can prove that the driver was impaired to the slightest degree while driving.

What is an Extreme DUI?

An extreme DUI is a DUI with a BAC of .15 and above. This charge comes with harsher penalties than a regular DUI.

What is a Super Extreme DUI?

A Super Extreme DUI is a DUI with a BAC of .20 and above. This charge comes with harsher penalties than an Extreme DUI.

I was arrested for a DUI, what should I do?

If you were arrested for a DUI, you should immediately contact an attorney, because a DUI conviction can often come with jail time, hefty fines and probation. A DUI may also come with a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges. Because of these serious potential consequences, it is critical that you speak with an attorney to understand what your rights are and what your options are.

Is a DUI a felony?

A DUI is typically not a felony. A DUI is a Class 1 Misdemeanor. There are 5 circumstances where a DUI can be charged as a felony, which is called Aggravated DUI. The following circumstances for an Aggravated DUI to be charged are:

You commit a DUI while your driver’s license is already suspended or revoked, or
It is your third or more DUI in the past 7 years, or
You commit a DUI while you already have a court-order for an ignition interlock, or
You commit a DUI while there is a passenger under the age of 15 in the car, or
You commit a DUI while you are driving the wrong way on the highway.

Should I fight my DUI or plead guilty?

Every case is different, and the best decision for one case may not be the best decision for another case. Speaking with an attorney will help you understand what your options are and allow you to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your case.

Will I go to jail for a DUI?

For a first-time DUI, Arizona law requires that a person convicted a DUI must serve 10 consecutive days of jail. It is possible, however, to defer 9 of the 10 days and only serve 1 day in jail. Deferred jail is jail time that will be suspended and deleted after you successfully compete a court order, such as alcohol classes.

If you are charged with an Extreme DUI, you may be facing a minimum of 30 days in jail, with 21 days deferred – meaning a minimum of 9 days of jail actually served.

If you are charged with a Super Extreme DUI, you may be facing a minimum of 45 days in jail, with 31 days deferred – meaning a minimum of 14 days of jail actually served.

If this is your second DUI, you may be facing 90 days of jail, with up to 60 days deferred – meaning a minimum of 30 days of jail actually served.

How much are DUI fines?

If this is your first DUI, you will likely be facing a minimum of $1,250 in fines.

If you are charged with an Extreme DUI or a Super Extreme DUI, you can be facing over $3,000 in fines.

If this is your second DUI, you can be facing over $3,000 in fines.

What is probation?

Probation is form of supervision ordered by the court, where you are monitored by a probation officer. It is generally up to the judge to decide how long you must serve probation, however there are limits to how long probation can last depending on several factors. There are many terms to probation, but common terms of probation can include (1) Not possessing or consuming alcohol while on probation, (2) Paying a monthly probation fee, and (3) Regularly attending meetings with your probation officer.

There are generally 3 types of probation in Arizona. The most common type of probation is Supervised Probation, which is sometimes called Standard Probation. Supervised Probation requires you to meet with your probation officer once a month.

There are 2 other, less common types of probation: (1) Unsupervised Probation and (2) Intensive Probation Supervision or “IPS.” Unsupervised Probation is probation that does not require monthly meetings with a probation officer. Intensive Probation Supervision is probation that requires meeting your probation officer every few days.

It is generally up to a judge to decide what level of probation a person receives.

How long is probation for a DUI?

The maximum time a person can be sentenced to probation in Arizona for a DUI is 5 years. Judges often sentence people to much less time than 5 years, which is why it is critical to speak with an attorney if you are charged with a DUI.

What other punishments come with a DUI?

Including jail, fines, and probation there are other potential punishments. If you are convicted of a DUI, you are also facing a suspension or revocation of your driving privileges.

If it is your first DUI, you will likely have your driver’s license suspended for a period of 90 days to one year. If it is our second DUI, your driver’s license will be revoked for one year.

In addition to a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, courts typically also order an ignition interlock system to be installed in your car after you start driving again for up to a year.

Is it a DUI to drive with marijuana in your system?

Marijuana, just like alcohol, is legal to consume in Arizona but can still land you with a DUI. A person can be charged with a DUI if marijuana is currently in their system, even if they are not impaired. A single metabolite of marijuana in someone’s system is enough to be charged with a DUI, under Arizona law.

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2,000+

Families Helped

1,500+

Trials & Settlements

15+

Years In Business

100+

Years of Combined Experience

What Our Clients Say

Our experienced team at Best Law Firm has helped thousands of clients. See what some of them have to say about working with us.

J.S

Divorce Mediation

“Ms. Best resolved my spousal maintenance issue with my husband and his attorney in two hours. She accomplished what the lawyers could not do in 9 months of litigation. I am very grateful for her help.”

B.W.

Divorce With Children

“We hired this law firm to represent our son in trying to get joint custody. They did a fabulous job keeping us informed as to their plan each week. I have to say I do not think my son would be enjoying his daughter right now with his 50/50 custody if it was not for this law firm.”

T.N.

Custody And Father's Rights

“You are the Best, before I retained counsel, I was not able to see my children and did not know what rights a father had in Arizona. I now have joint legal and physical custody. Thank you for all that you have done for my family.”

R.C.

Divorce Mediation

“Thank You! Thank you! Thank You! Thank you for getting my son what he deserves! Thank you for finally ending this 9 year chaos…I slept like a little baby last night! You are all GREAT!”

MM

Family Law

I’ve used Best Law Firm twice now. Excellent communication skills, rapid responses, and they know EXACTLY what they are doing. They look out for you.like one of their own and do everything they can to keep your case cost effective. Highly recommend!

J.G.

Family Law

“The service provided at ‘Best’ was beyond exceptional. The staff at ‘Best’ were professional, going above and beyond their normal duties to help me. I would sincerely recommend ‘Best’ for anyone looking for help with their families legal matters.”

B.H.

Family Law

“I have worked with Best Law Firm on two issues in the past 12 months. Their service is exceptional and the quality of their attorneys is second to none! So, their name (Best) is truly appropriate! I would recommend their legal services to anyone!”

C.J.

Divorce With Children

Thank you for the excellence in your craft and communication each and every step of the way, for the care, for helping me to be brave and strong in holding someone accountable for their wrongdoings, for helping my sons and me to receive the best possible scenario out of the worst situation of my life.

TM

Family Law

“Alan was very professional and quick, he had our paperwork done the same day. When I called him to follow up I was able to speak with him then. Highly recommend Alan, he’s very easy to talk to, he’s very knowledgeable, and he means business.”

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We can conduct your consultation by phone, zoom or in person. Call us today at (480) 219-2433 or fill out the form below.

Contact Information

(480) 219-2433

7025 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 301
Scottsdale, Arizona 85253

info@bestlawaz.com