Glendale DUI Defense Lawyers

How Our Glendale DUI Lawyers Can Help You

DUI cases in Glendale carry significant and lasting ramifications. Convictions can lead to substantial fines, incarceration, probation, license suspension, community service, or mandatory counseling.

A DUI lawyer specializes in handling cases related to drunk driving, drugged driving, and intoxicated driving offenses, dedicating their practice to defending individuals facing these charges.

While DUI defense falls under the umbrella of criminal defense, it’s essential to seek representation from a lawyer with specific experience in handling DUI cases. Such lawyers possess valuable insights gained from handling similar cases, allowing them to devise effective defense strategies

 

What Happens If I Am Pulled Over For DUI In Glendale?

DUI stands for “driving under the influence,” a charge applicable when someone operates a vehicle while intoxicated. In Arizona, as well as across most of the country, the legal limit is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08%. Anyone found operating a vehicle with a BAC above this limit could face a DUI charge.

If you’ve been pulled over in Glendale, remember your right to remain silent. It’s crucial to comply with the officer’s requests, but politely decline to answer questions or speak to investigators until you’ve consulted with an experienced DUI Lawyer.

 

Probable Cause

For Glendale DUI charges to be valid, the police officer must have had a legally acceptable reason for pulling you over, known as probable cause. Legitimate reasons for a traffic stop include:

• The driver has committed a traffic violation
• The driving pattern is consistent with intoxication
• The vehicle was involved in an accident
• The officer suspects the driver or vehicle was involved in an independent crime
• The driver/vehicle was stopped at an authorized DUI checkpoint
• The officer received a tip from a civilian you are suspected of drunk driving

 

Physical Indications of Intoxication

After being pulled over, law enforcement officers in will observe any physical indications suggesting intoxication. These officers receive specialized training to recognize these signs and are required to document and testify about them later. Common physical indicators they look for include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Slurred speech
• Emitting the odor of an alcoholic beverage
• Unsteady stance or gait
• Slurred speech
• Red, flushed face
• Aggressive or belligerent behavior

 

Roadside Exercises

It’s crucial to remember that participating in the following roadside exercises is VOLUNTARY, and a police officer cannot make an arrest solely based on your refusal to perform them. If you choose to participate, the officers are required to record the exercises for potential use in court proceedings.

Several tests have been developed to help officers detect intoxicated drivers over the years. However, police officers are specifically trained to administer three exercises for this purpose. These tests require a safe location and a demonstration by the officer before you are asked to perform them. Here are the three exercises approved for use:

 

 Walk and Turn – The subject takes nine heel-to-toe steps, pivots, and takes nine steps back. The officer will be watching to see if the subject leaves gaps between steps, holds their arms out to the side to maintain balance, or makes a mistake on their count.

 One Leg Stand – The subject will raise either foot six inches off of the ground and hold it while they count to 30, using a “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand count.” The officer will watch to see if the subject drops their foot to the ground, holds their hands out to maintain balance, miscounts, or rushes their count.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus – The subject will follow the tip of a pen or finger with their eyes. The test tracks the smooth pursuit of the eye. As a subject becomes more intoxicated, there is an involuntary flutter that occurs in the eyes. The officer will look at any bouncing of the eyes as they follow the tip of the pen.