Phoenix DUI Lawyer Blog

ARIZONA DUI ATTORNEY

The United States Supreme Court has held that an officer must have a reasonable suspicion of a criminal or traffic offense to stop a vehicle. If it is determined that the police did not have a justified legal reasonable suspicion, then your Arizona DUI lawyer has a compelling argument to press for dismissal of your Arizona DUI charges.

The Law Office of James Novak is devoted to handling 100% DUI, Drug & criminal cases in Gilbert, Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, AZ, and other cities surrounding areas valley-wide in Maricopa County Arizona.

Arizona DUI Charges
This is just one of many facets of an Arizona DUI charge to examine and challenge in your defense. But you will not get that benefit without a good Arizona DUI criminal defense or DUI lawyer. DUI Charges in Arizona are serious, and carry some of the harshest penalties in the country. If you were charged or arrested for DUI in Arizona you will need an experienced Arizona DUI Attorney to defend your AZ DUI charges. Your Arizona DUI lawyer will evaluate the many factors in your defense. Below are just a few of many common defenses that an experienced criminal defense or DUI Attorney in Arizona may use to defend your case:

Top DUI Defenses
ILLEGAL STOP OF PERSON OR VEHICLE - Did the police legally stop you?
The United States Supreme Court has held that an officer must have a reasonable suspicion of a criminal or traffic offense to stop a vehicle. If the officer did not have a reasonable suspicion, then the remedy may call for a dismissal of the DUI charges. An officer cannot legally stop a driver unless they can substantiate a specific and just cause to believe there has been a traffic infraction or other violation of law. Weaving within one's own traffic lane for a short distance or making a wide turn should not justify a hunch that the driver is driving intoxicated. These types of actions are seen commonly in unimpaired drivers.

CHANGING LANES WITHOUT A SIGNAL AS A BASIS FOR A STOP - Were you stopped because you did not use your turn signal?
You should always use your turn signal at all times. However, an argument could be made that the stop was illegal because no other traffic existed, involved a remote area, or no other traffic was affected by your turn without using a turn signal. The police and prosecution will argue that you are required to signal if there is other traffic nearby. Most DUI arrests occur late at night and very often the police car is the only vehicle even within sight distance of the driver. The Arizona Law reads as follows: A.R.S. 28-754. Turning movements and required signals: "A person shall not so turn any vehicle without giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided by this article in the event any other traffic may be affected by the movement."

THE OFFICER DID NOT HAVE PROBABLE CAUSE TO MAKE THE ARREST-
Was there probable cause to arrest you?
The burden on the Arizona police is greater to arrest you than it is to make the initial stop. The standard for an officer to stop a vehicle, the officer must have merely a "reasonable suspicion" of DUI. But to make an arrest, the level rises to a higher standard, which is that "probable cause" to arrest. If a motion to dismiss for lack of probable cause to arrest is made, the court then considers all facts gathered by the officer before the arrest. What occurred after the arrest: the breath or blood test then is not relevant. Based on the facts, the case may be dismissed.
Arizona DUI Attorney

Showing up to court unrepresented by a good criminal or DUI legal representation is putting your putting your hope in the hands of the person who wants to convict you, the prosecutor. That's their job. Many of the best Arizona DUI Attorneys agree that if you face Arizona DUI charges, you will need to retain an Arizona DUI lawyer to defend your case. This is not an and this is not an offense that you want to have processed through the Arizona Criminal Justice or Arizona Courts without the defense of an experienced DUI attorney. A good DUI lawyer in Arizona will fight to make sure your constitutional rights are protected, examine the evidence, build the most solid and effective defense possible, attempt to get your DUI charges dismissed, reduced or otherwise the best outcome in your case.

Continue reading " ARIZONA DUI LAWS | TOP DUI DEFENSES" »

In Arizona, Chandler DUI Convictions Means Jail or Prison Time

Chandler DUI (Driving under the Influence) Laws are governed by Arizona State Laws and DUI and Criminal Code. The law requires that if convicted you will be required to complete mandatory jail or prison sentence, along with a host of other punishments. If you have been charged and arrested, you still have a constitutional right to a defense, and a DUI charge is not yet a DUI conviction. A Chandler DUI - DWI is just the beginning. An experienced DUI lawyer who defends cases in Arizona Court will among other things, make you're your DUI charges are justified, that there were no constitutional rights violations, and look for weakness or flaws in the prosecution's case. "An Experienced Chandler DUI Lawyer may be able to reduce your DUI to a lesser charge, with lesser or no jail or prison sentence or even get your DUI charges dismissed completely." There job is to fulfill your constitutional right to a defense. And a good Chandler DUI Attorney's job is to use every available means through legal channels to do that.

A good Chandler DUI Lawyer or Arizona DUI Defense Attorney, who defends Chandler DUI Charges frequently in Chandler Court, will fight to get your charges dismissed completely, or in the alternative reduced to a lesser charge to avoid your having to do Jail or Prison time.

For those facing DUI charges the first thing on many people's mind is "If convicted, will I go to jail or prison and for how long?"

Important Note: Depending on the severity, circumstances and classification of the Chandler DUI charges Chandler DUI convictions include other penalties such as fines, fees, costs, probation, counseling, ignition interlock device, and other punishments in addition to jail or prison time. Also, the jail or prison time may fluctuate depending on the facts of your case and criminal history, if any. But so often it seems the first question many people who have been arrested for DUI want to know is "If convicted, will I go to jail or prison and for how long?" The following is simply a guideline4s that focus on that question in the event of a DUI Conviction. Remember, the answer may not be the same, in that some court has discretion to increase the penalties including the sentence depending on your specific set of circumstances, criminal history and whatever the judge deems appropriate.

Arizona DUI Incarceration Minimum Sentencing Guidelines paraphrased from
A.R.S. 28 - 1381, 28-1382, and 28-1383:

• First DUI (non-extreme) .08+ BAC.................. 24 Hours in Jail
• Second DUI (non-extreme) .08+ BAC.................30 Days in Jail
• First DUI Extreme .15+ BAC .......................... 30 Days in Jail
• Second DUI Extreme .15+ BAC......................... 120 Days in Jail
• First DUI Super Extreme .20+ BAC.................... 45 Days in Jail
• 2nd Super Extreme .20+ BAC..........................1 80 days in jail
• Felony DUI (DUI with aggravated classification.....4 Months in Prison
.
The Chandler DUI Court and Chandler DUI Prosecutor will not help you to defend your charges. Don't expect them to make any attempts to help make things easier for you. To the contrary, their job is to get Chandler DUI convictions. Basically your side of the story is mute to them when you are not properly represented by a private practice DUI defense Attorney. If you still choose to represent yourself (not recommended): In fact, without Arizona DUI legal representation and guidance by an Arizona DUI Lawyer or Criminal Defense Attorney who defends DUI charges frequently in Chandler Court, you may unknowingly be incriminating yourself further and making the prosecutor's case against you stronger. The Chandler Prosecution and Chandler Court get a fast conviction with little work when a defendant goes unrepresented. And without a good AZ DUI defense attorney, are futile, and to the hopes of the prosecution, could very well make matters worse.

Your Chandler AZ DUI Lawyer should be experienced and have done a vast amount of DUI defense and litigation; have a clear understanding of Arizona laws; changes in law; and most importantly, know well what defenses can be used to build and mount a successful defense on your behalf. A good DUI Attorney in Arizona will do everything possible to get your case dismissed or a reduced sentence based on weaknesses in the prosecutions case. Your DUI Attorney will act as a barrier between you and the Chandler Prosecution. They will be your voice of legal defense reason, and mount a strong defense on your behalf. A good Chandler DUI Attorney's goal is to make sure your rights are not violated, and that your future and freedom are protected. That's their job. Make sure you choose an Arizona Attorney who does their job well.

If you have been arrested for any Chandler Arizona DUI, Extreme DUI, Repeat Offense DUI, Under age 21 DUI, Felony DUI, DUI with child under 15 in vehicle, Aggravated Felony DUI, Drug, Felony Drug, Dangerous Drug, Narcotics, Marijuana, any Chandler DUI, Chandler Drug DUI, or any other criminal charge including theft, assaults, aggravated assault, domestic violence, drugs crimes, probation violations, robbery, computer crimes, ID theft crimes, or any other criminal charges contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Chandler criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney James Novak (Former Prosecutor). The Law Office of James Novak is devoted to handling 100% DUI, Drug & criminal cases in Mesa, Chandler, Phoenix, Tempe, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, and surrounding areas valley-wide in Maricopa County Arizona.

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstance.

A Good Tempe DUI Attorney will fight to dismiss your DUI charges

"Hiring a private practice experienced Tempe DUI Defense Attorney, can mean the difference between a conviction or total dismissal if your DUI charges".

If you face Tempe DUI charges, you need to hire a Tempe criminal defense attorney or DUI Lawyer who defends all kinds of DUI charges on a regular basis. Make sure your Arizona DUI Lawyer is an experienced trial lawyer, who knows the laws well,
including all the newest and changing laws; breath and blood testing issues; but most importantly understands what defense strategies and methods can be used to fight your charges and a conviction based on your Tempe DUI circumstances.

Choosing a Tempe DUI Lawyer to defend your DUI charges may be one of the most important decisions you will ever make. There are many questions you should get answers to, before making a decision as to which Attorney you will hire to defend your case. These are cited in detail within the Winning Defense Strategies Book Series "#1 Arizona DUI Defense", written by experienced DUI Defense Attorney and prolific Arizona DUI defenses Author, James Novak and can be downloaded for free at
www.arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com.

The impacts of a Tempe DUI conviction are severe and can adversely effect you for years to come. Even a first time Arizona DUI misdemeanor conviction, with no prior criminal record, has severe punishments. You have too much to lose, not to hire a good DUI Attorney to represent you and fight your charges. Adverse impacts include effects or loss of job or job opportunities, loss of driver's license, drain on finances with fines and fees, mandatory incarceration in county jail, and even court ordered interlock device (at your expense) on your vehicle which requires you to prove you have not been drinking before your automobile will start.

The Arizona prosecution does not care who you are, what you do, or how your family or job will be affected by a conviction. They will simply pursue your DUI conviction relentlessly. They work closely, with the police to get it. They do not care if the charges are justified or if your constitutional rights were violated during the process. The job of the prosecution is not to protect you or minimize the impacts of a conviction on your life. A Judge can not intervene until a motion is filed or your sign a plea agreement or take the matter to trial. Attempting to tell your side of the story to the Judge on your own will not have favorable effect on your situation. In fact, what you innocently think may be helping your case, may actually be used against you. The Judge does not have authority to dismiss the case until a proper Legal defense challenge is made on your behalf by your Arizona Defense Attorney, or the jury returns a Not-Guilty Verdict on all charges. The chances of getting your DUI dismissed, an acquittal or favorable verdict without a good Arizona Criminal Defense or DUI Attorney are slim to none. The court system as strict rules and guidelines it must follow. You will need a strong Tempe criminal defense attorney or DUI lawyer to defend your case and fight for your rights and freedom. Your Tempe DUI Attorney to build a strong defense for your case. You need someone you can call for answers to questions, someone who will challenge the evidence, protect your constitutional rights, to fight to get your case dismissed, charges reduced, or otherwise the best outcome in your favor. The chances of any of these favorable outcomes are drastically reduced to none without the retention of a private Tempe Criminal or DUI defense Lawyer who does this day in and day out. A Tempe DUI has many factors which must be evaluated. Every one is different and holds its own set of circumstances. There is no cookie cutter defense. Such factors include violations of your Constitutional rights, the reason for the stop, the police officer's handling of the case, proper crime lab testing methods, proper implementation of field sobriety tests, and more. There are many factors in a case that can be challenged to your favor. But you will not get the benefit of having these factors examined and challenged without the right Tempe Criminal Defense Attorney. The judge and prosecution will look at your case through the mind of prosecution only, not in your defense. Hiring a private practice experienced Tempe DUI Defense Attorney, can mean the difference between a conviction or total dismissal if your DUI charges.

If you have been charged with any Mesa, Arizona DUI, Extreme DUI, Repeat Offense DUI, Under age 21 DUI, DUI with child under 15 in vehicle, Aggravated Felony DUI, Drug, Felony Drug, Dangerous Drug, Narcotics, Marijuana, any Arizona DUI, Arizona Drug DUI, or any other criminal charge including theft, assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, drugs crimes, probation violations, robbery, computer crimes, ID theft crimes, or any other criminal charges contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Tempe Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor).

Continue reading "Tempe DUI Lawyer " »

A common Arizona DUI arrest question is whether your DUI in Arizona can be dismissed because the Arizona DUI police did not read your Miranda rights or delayed in the reading. When stopped for an AZ DUI the police officer is not required to read you your Miranda rights immediately after the stop or after you're arrested for Arizona drunk driving.

The beginning phrase of the Miranda warning is "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you...." Most people assume that officers are required to read Miranda whenever they make any criminal arrest including a DUI arrest. That's not actually true.

There are two conditions that must be met before the police are required to read you your Miranda rights. First, you are placed under arrest. Second, in the event the officer continues to interrogate you. Your Miranda rights are to inform you that you don't have to answer any questions the policed asks you that would solicit incrimination statements. The Miranda rights are required when:

1. You're placed under arrest for DUI and the police continue to interrogate you.
2. "Under arrest" means that the Arizona DUI officer places you in handcuffs and into custody.
3. "Interrogation" means the Arizona police continue to ask questions designed to seek incriminating responses. This includes: "How many drinks did you have? What were you drinking? Do you feel intoxicated?"

Thus, if you are arrested for an Arizona DUI and are not asked and any questions about what occurred that could be used against you then there's no need for you to be read your Miranda rights, by the police officer. Normally, if you are not yet "in custody", as Arizona DUI law defines "custody", the Miranda rights need not be read. Word of caution: Police officers get around the Miranda requirement with DUI cases by asking questions before they arrest you, then whatever you say can go in the police report and be presented at trial, your DMV hearing, and used against you.

However, if the police didn't read you your rights and you gave incriminating statements harmful to your Arizona DUI defense, be sure to have an experienced Arizona DUI attorney review the facts to determine if anything you said may be suppressed or excluded from evidence as allowed by AZ DUI Law.

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstance.

Many don't realize there is a difference. In Arizona both Arizona DUI and Arizona DWI charges are serious offenses. They both carry similar DUI penalties that include jail, fines, counseling, and ignition interlock device, and other punishments. It is when you get charged with an Arizona Extreme DWI that the mandatory minimum Arizona DUI penalties increase. Here's a breakdown defined:

• DUI (A.R.S. §28-1381 (A)(1)) Driving Under the Influence of intoxicating liquor (or drugs).
• DWI (A.R.S. §28-1381 (A)(2)) Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater within two hours of driving.
• EXTREME DWI (A.R.S. §28-1382) Driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.15% or greater within two hours of driving.
• SUPER EXTREME DWI (A.R.S. §28-1382(D)(1)) Driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.20% or greater within two hours of driving.

The Arizona DUI Lawyer you choose to defend you against the DUI charges will explain that the key to your defense is to understand the difference between these charges
The DUI charge ((A.R.S. §28-1381 (A)(1)), by itself, does not require a breath reading or blood results. The prosecution can proceed with evidence of impaired driving based on the manner of driving, physical characteristics of impairment, field sobriety tests, and admissions to drinking.

The Arizona DWI charge of 0.08 (A.R.S. §28-1381 (A)(2)), including the Extreme DWI 0.15 or greater, and the Super Extreme DWI, 0.20 or greater, does require the driver to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) at that level or higher "within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle and the alcohol concentration results from alcohol consumed either before or while driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle."

One defense is that your level was not at that level at the time of driving due to a possible defense known as "retrograde extrapolation". If it can be shown that your BAC was below the legal limit, then you may not have been driving illegally according to the Arizona DUI laws. Other defenses may include operation of testing equipment, operator error, time of blood draw, method and procedure of breath test, etc.

This is important to evaluate because a conviction at the higher level will force the judge to impose a harsher sentence including more jail and higher fines and fees. The police and prosecutors get many chances at getting a conviction. They are there to prosecute not to defend. Call James Novak for your FREE consultation with an Arizona DUI lawyer. 413-413-1499.