Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

5 facts you need to know about your Mesa Drunk Driving Charges!

The best advise a good Mesa drunk driving lawyer can give you...

1. Arizona Drunk Driving charges are serious offenses. Due to strict AZ DUI Laws, a drunk driving conviction exposes you to severe penalties including time in jail or prison. If you choose not to hire a private practice Mesa criminal defense lawyer, you will most likely meet an early conviction with severe punishments. Your best shot at getting your DUI dismissed, is to retain a private practice AZ criminal defense attorney who defends DUI charges in Mesa on a regular basis.

2. The Mesa or Maricopa County Prosecutor is not your friend. After you are arrested in Mesa for drunk driving, the DUI charges are escalated to the Maricopa County Prosecutor for criminal processing. Take note, that if your paths should cross with the Prosecutor, do not discuss any personal or other matters related to you case. Some defendants who have fallen in the trap, and let their guard down, were surprised at statement they made to the prosecution were used against them. guard down. Although they may appear friendly and greet you with a smile, you must keep in mind, they have an important job to do...to convict you of a Mesa DUI charge. So if a conversation should ensue, be polite and respectful, but do not engage in any discussion regarding your Mesa drunk driving charges or otherwise. You have the right to remain silent. Use it. Otherwise, you may find that you incriminated yourself and damaged your DUI defense. Simply acknowledge you are aware of your right to remain silent, until you are accompanied by or consult your AZ DUI attorney, and wish to exercise it.

3. Be prompt, and attend all scheduled court appearances for your Mesa
Arizona drunk driving charges. If you miss your court date or are late the Judge may issue an immediate warrant for your arrest due to "failure to appear". The only time this is not the case, is if you have retained a private practice Arizona DUI lawyer, and they or the Maricopa County Judge instructs you otherwise.

4. Following your arrest for a Mesa 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 hire a good Mesa drunk driving lawyer, the will immediately begin your drunk driving defense. A successful defense begins well "before" your first scheduled court date. Note that doing nothing, or waiting in hopes of the best, without hiring a Mesa DUI attorney, gives the prosecution the advantage of having a case built against you, and leaving you with no shield of defense or preservation of your rights. You may also be missing valuable negotiating opportunities through the proper legal channels. Lastly, you stunt you may detriment your defense, by having waived the opportunity to file early relevant motions to dismiss your charges, if they exist. If you decide not to hire a private practice Mesa DUI attorney, you will be held to the same standard of the court as if you were represented by an AZ DUI Attorney. You don't get any breaks by the court, by not hiring a private practice Mesa drunk driving lawyer. You will be held to the same standards as would otherwise your Mesa DUI lawyer. This includes complying with procedures protocol; attending conferences and court appearances; meeting deadlines; building and presenting your own defense. Criminal and DUI charges are dismissed every day do to violations of a defendant's rights, violations in police protocol, weak evidence, or other policies and procedures required by AZ Law. An experienced Mesa DUI Attorney, will be prepared to make every effort to get your DUI charges dismissed by tailoring, building, and presenting solid and compelling defense on your behalf.