Arizona drivers need to know how to protect their legal rights and pursue the most favorable outcome in the event of a drunk driving arrest. Was this a first offense DUI charge? Or have you been charged with a repeat offense? Talk to a qualified Tempe DUI defense attorney at the Rosenstein Law Group by calling (480) 248-7666 to learn how we can protect you.
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How Can a Tempe DUI Lawyer Help?
Elements of an Arizona DUI Conviction
Levels of DUI Charges in Arizona
What to Do if You’re Arrested for DUI in Tempe
Potential Consequences for a Tempe DUI Conviction
Potential Defenses to DUI Charges
What to Look For in Your DUI Defense Attorney
How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Arizona?
Assisting College Students Facing DUI Charges
Speak to an Attorney Today
After police have alleged that you were driving while drunk or driving while under the influence of drugs, the prosecutor will most likely make an effort to convict you. They are doing their jobs. You need an experienced Tempe DUI attorney on your side to balance the equation and to help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process. An effective local DUI defense attorney in Tempe, AZ may well mean the difference for you between a peaceful life and never-ending troubles:
Hiring the right attorney for your Tempe DUI case is critical for your future. Rosenstein Law Group has the only two board-certified DUI defense attorneys in Maricopa County. We have achieved outstanding results for our clients, including many successful case acquittals. We understand how Arizona’s DUI laws and justice system work – and how to defend our clients against criminal charges. When your future is on the line, come to us for aggressive defense tactics and quality legal services.
The crime of driving under the influence is defined under Arizona law as driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor or drug. The elements that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a DUI conviction are:
With a BAC at or above the legal limit, a defendant is automatically presumed to be intoxicated and will be arrested for DUI. Even with a lesser BAC, however, a driver can be arrested for an alleged DUI if the officer believes the driver is impaired. A DUI can also refer to impairment by a drug – including prescription medications.
If a defendant is arrested for an alleged DUI offense, the courts will determine the exact charges to enter based on the information provided. The defendant will hear these charges during his or her arraignment, or the pretrial hearing. The charges are based on the circumstances of the arrest and the evidence collected against the defendant. There are four levels of DUI charges under Arizona law, each with different consequences:
The class of felony charged for an aggravated DUI in Arizona depends on the severity of the circumstances. If a drunk driver causes serious bodily injuries or death, for example, he or she will most likely face a higher class felony charge. The more severe the alleged crime, the worse the charges and penalties are upon conviction.
It is normal to feel frightened or overwhelmed when being arrested for a DUI. It is important, however, to remain calm and remember that there are certain things you should do to immediately protect your rights. If you can, take the following steps:
Once you’ve contacted our lawyers, we can take care of the rest of the steps to take for you. For example, we can help you get out of jail while you wait for your arraignment hearing, as well as develop a defense strategy to achieve the best possible DUI case results on your behalf.
Being convicted of a DUI in Tempe can have a wide range of ramifications on your life and future. This includes not only legal consequences and penalties, such as a criminal sentence, but also implications for your personal and professional life. Being convicted of a felony DUI, for example, can permanently take away certain constitutional rights, such as your right to vote and bear arms. If this is not your first DUI offense, you can face more severe consequences.
The penalties listed for different DUI charges under Arizona law include:
Other penalties include community service, restitution to victims, and mandatory traffic school and/or drug and alcohol counseling. It is critical not to underestimate the impact that a DUI conviction can have on your life. It can interfere with your freedom, education, scholarships, driving privilege, career, ability to obtain employment, parental rights, personal relationships with others, financial situation and more. Protect yourself by retaining an experienced DUI defense lawyer in Tempe.
There are many ways to fight a DUI charge in Tempe, Arizona. Your lawyer may be able to have evidence against you thrown out, for example, such as evidence from an inaccurate breath test or evidence collected illegally. This could lead to case dismissal due to insufficient evidence. Other defense strategies include no crime committed, an illegal traffic stop, police misconduct or entrapment. If it isn’t possible to achieve case dismissal, your lawyer can work to reduce the charges against you and the penalties that you face instead.
Hiring the best lawyer to take on your Tempe DUI defense case requires due diligence on your part. Schedule more than one free case consultation with top defense lawyers in your city. Then, during your initial consultations with the lawyer, ask a few key questions to find out if he or she has the experience and ability to handle your DUI case. The traits that you should be looking for in a defense lawyer include:
Overall, you should feel good about the lawyer that you choose to represent you. Your future is at stake when facing DUI charges of any kind in Arizona. You should be confident in your lawyer’s ability to understand your charges and argue against them with strong, personalized defense strategies. Your lawyer should have the resources to hire experts, the ability to negotiate a plea agreement and the storytelling powers to make a persuasive case in your defense.
Although rates can vary widely by lawyer and law firm, a DUI defense lawyer in Tempe, Arizona typically charges between $350 and $600 per hour. Some lawyers charge a flat rate rather than an hourly rate, which can range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the circumstances. If the case has to go to trial, expect higher legal fees, as the case will require more work from the attorney. You may or may not have to pay a retainer fee upfront to initiate the case.
The amount that your lawyer costs will depend on the attorney and your specific case, including how long the case will take to resolve. However, the price of hiring a DUI lawyer is well worth what you will get in return as a defendant – an exceptional advocate fighting for your rights and protecting you from the worst possible penalties associated with your charges. Paying for a DUI defense lawyer can save you thousands in fines, fees, penalties and other significant consequences related to being convicted of DUI.
Talk to a Tempe DUI lawyer at Rosenstein Law Group about your drunk driving arrest and legal issues that may be part of your case. College students at Arizona State University (ASU) can face serious consequences that could affect their future job prospects and enrollment in school.
Whether you were stopped by ASU police or Tempe police, we have the experience to handle your case in the Tempe court system. We will guide you through the process and fight to build you a solid defense against your charges. We can discuss all issues that may arise in your case, including:
In addition to DUI defense, our Tempe DUI defense attorneys defend drivers who have received criminal traffic violations. Rosenstein Law Group also helps people charged with drug possession or drug paraphernalia possession.
If you have been arrested, each day that passes reduces the opportunities to fight back and limit the consequences. Contact Rosenstein Law Group today to speak with a skilled Tempe DUI defense lawyer at our law firm day or night during free initial consultation.
We represent clients throughout Arizona from offices in Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, and Gilbert.