Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

10 things top rated Attorneys may advise you to do after a DUI Arrest in Mesa AZ that may increase your chances of getting your DUI charges dismissed or reduced.

1) Consult a DUI attorney who defends DUI charges frequently in the Mesa AZ Court. The chances of getting a dismissal of your DUI, charges reduced, an acquittal, or other favorable outcome increase drastically if you retain a DUI Lawyer or criminal defense attorney to defend you.

2) Remain silent. By remaining silent you will help avoid damage to your defense case. If questioned by Mesa AZ police, or prosecution, politely say you wish to remain silent until your attorney is present. Unjust denial of your request is a violation of your rights and can lead to suppression of evidence or dismissal of your Mesa DUI charges.

3) Write a narrative. Include as much information as you can as can remember. Include events before, during, and after the arrest; discussions, questions and answers; food, drink or medication consumed; and names of witnesses or passengers that may be willing to testify on your behalf. Details that seem irrelevant to you may actually be something an experienced DUI attorney considers material to your defense.

4) Repair any vehicle problems that may have resulted in the DUI stop. This includes burnt out head or tail lights, turn signals, or whatever triggered the Mesa police to pull you over.

5) Get proper insurance and registration. If you were cited for failure to possess proper insurance or registration, get it. If you already had but were unable to provide proof of provide a copy of it to your Mesa DUI attorney, and keep the original for the court.

6) Pay Unpaid Fines or Traffic Tickets. The court will consider your past driving or criminal record to see if you have neglected any other prior driving violations or tickets. If so, this may have an adverse impact on your sentencing.

7) Photograph the location of the DUI stop. An experienced DUI lawyer will be able to recognize if there is anything in the photos, or lack of certain things, that police relied on to stop or arrest you that can result in cause to challenge facts or evidence.

8). Request a Motor Vehicle Hearing: If your driver's license was taken you must request a MVD hearing within 15 days or date otherwise set by the Motor Vehicle Department. Be sure to discuss your options first with your DUI attorney. There are consequences of requesting the hearing that differ from stipulating to a suspension.

9) Appear for your arraignment unless your Attorney advises you otherwise. This is the date on your ticket. If you do not have an attorney, you must appear for the arraignment. If you fail to appear, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. If you have retained a DUI lawyer, they will advise you of whether or not you will need to attend. In many cases your attorney can get have the arraignment vacated or can appear on your behalf.

10) Be on time for all court appearances you are required to attend. If you are late, this is considered ill regard and disrespect to the court and the seriousness of your DUI charges.

For more information about winning criminal and DUI defense strategies visit www.arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com where you can download free AZ DUI defense books written by experienced attorney James Novak as well as DUI defense videos produced by James Novak, Mesa DUI Defense Attorney.