Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

5 facts you need to know if you were charged with Drunk Driving in Phoenix Arizona

1 An Arrest for drunk driving in Phoenix AZ is very serious. The laws are strict and penalties severe. If you choose not to retain a private practice Arizona DUI
defense Attorney, you will most likely be convicted. The best chance you have of getting your DUI dismissed is to retain a private practice Arizona criminal defense Lawyer or AZ DUI Defense Attorney. According to current laws in place, if you are convicted for an Arizona DUI you will be exposed to sentenced to jail time, as well as other Severe penalties.

2 The Maricopa County or Phoenix AZ Prosecutor is not your friend. Following your Phoenix drunk driving arrest, your DUI charges will then go to the Maricopa County Prosecutor for review and handling. Should the situation present itself, the prosecutor may appear friendly, and greet you with a smile- But beware. They have a job to do. That is to convict you of a Phoenix DUI. If the prosecutor strikes up a conversation with you, be polite. But do not engage in any discussion regarding your Phoenix DUI charges. You have the right to remain silent. Use it. If not, the prosecutor can and will take note all that you say which can be held against you. Therefore, politely acknowledge your right to remain silent, until you are accompanied with, or speak to your AZ DUI Lawyer.

3 Make sure you appear to all your court dates for your Arizona drunk
driving charge. If you miss your court date or are late the Judge may issue an
arrest warrant for your "failure to appear". The only time you would not need to appear your scheduled court date is if you have retained a private practice Arizona DUI lawyer, or the Maricopa County Judge instructs you otherwise.

4 When charged with a Phoenix DUI, you will need to deal with two separate entities. First, is the Arizona Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV)? An Arizona DUI charge may initiate the suspension of your drivers' license even before your court matter is complete. The second is criminal Court for the criminal matter, the AZ DUI.

5 If you retain an experienced DUI lawyer who defends DUI charges in Phoenix, they will immediately begin your drunk driving defense. A successful defense begins before your first scheduled court date. This is important, because doing nothing, or waiting until the last minute is detrimental to your defense including negotiating opportunities passed by, and filing early and relevant defense motions. Also, you may have waived rights you could have used in your defense. There are no second chances. If you decide to go unrepresented by a qualified Phoenix DUI attorney, you will be held to the same standard of the court as if you were represented by a DUI Attorney. This includes complying procedures, attending all conferences and court appearances, abiding by court standards, processes, protocol and deadlines, no different that if you hired a Phoenix defense attorney. It is true, criminal and DUI charges are dismissed every day do to the police or prosecution violating Court or their own policies.

Your Phoenix DUI Attorney will promptly seek out evidence and motions in your defense;, be prepared to try to get evidence dismissed; find exculpatory evidence (evidence favorable to your defense); and make every effort to open lines of communication and negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf. They will build and present the best arguments and defense strategy based on the facts you case, provide a solid defense, and to make every attempt to get your Phoenix DUI charges dropped.