Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

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

The best advise a Tempe drunk driving lawyer can give you...

1 Drunk Driving charges in Arizona are serious. Due to strict AZ DUI Laws, a drunk driving conviction exposes you to severe penalties including jail or prison time. If you choose not to go unrepresented by a private practice Arizona criminal defense lawyer, you will 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.

2 The Tempe or Maricopa County Prosecutor is not your friend. After a Drunk driving arrest in Tempe, charges or the complaint, are escalated to the Maricopa County Prosecutor for criminal processing. If your paths cross with the Prosecutor, the may appear to be professional and friendly. But don't let your guard down. You must keep in mind, they have an important job to do---and that is to convict you of a Tempe DUI. So if a conversation should ensue, be polite and respectful, but do not engage in any discussion regarding your Tempe drunk driving charges. You have the right to remain silent. Use that valuable right. Otherwise, you may be surprised at what kind of self incriminating statements the prosecutor can and will be used against you. Simply and respectfully acknowledge your right to remain silent, until you are accompanied by or consult your AZ DUI attorney.

3 Appear and be on time to all scheduled court dates for your Tempe
AZ drunk driving charges. 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 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 Tempe 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 Tempe drunk driving lawyer, the will immediately begin your drunk driving defense. A successful defense begins well "before" your first scheduled court date. This is important, because doing nothing, or waiting until the last minute gives the prosecution the advantage of having a case built against you, with no shield of defense. Also, you may be missing valuable negotiating opportunities through the proper legal channels. Also, 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 Tempe DUI attorney, you will be held to the same standard of the court as if you were represented by a DUI Attorney. You don't get any breaks by the court. You will be treated as if you are, or have hired a Tempe DUI defense attorney. This includes complying with procedures protocol; attending all conferences and court appearances' meeting deadlines; building and presenting your own defense. Criminal and DUI charges are dismissed every day do to the police or prosecution violating Court or their own policies. Dismissals may be granted due weak or faulty evidence by the prosecution, dui blood test procedures and retesting results, a faulty breathalyzer test, violations of your rights, finding evidence in your favor to challenge the prosecution, and a host of other reasons. An experienced Tempe DUI Attorney, will be prepared to try to get your DUI charges dismissed by tailoring, building, and presenting solid and compelling defense on your behalf.