Why Would You Need A Mesa DUI Lawyer?
If you find yourself facing the daunting reality of a DUI arrest, don’t face it alone. Reach out to a seasoned Mesa DUI Lawyer from Future First Criminal Law today for the experienced guidance you need.
It’s a common misjudgment for individuals to underestimate the influence of alcohol and make the grave decision to drive. Yet, this error can lead to devastating consequences, potentially escalating to aggravated DUI charges. Collisions involving aggravated DUIs can leave lasting and profound impacts on all parties involved, often delving into the complexities of both DUI and personal injury law.
In the aftermath of such an arrest, navigating the legal terrain can feel overwhelming. Officers may charge you with a standard DUI if you’re found operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, exposing you to criminal charges and the looming threat of losing your driving privileges, particularly if you have prior convictions.
This is where the expertise of a DUI Lawyer in Mesa, AZ becomes invaluable. Our dedicated team is here to offer unwavering legal representation to those charged with DUI offenses. Drawing on years of experience, our criminal defense lawyers meticulously gather evidence to bolster your case and adeptly negotiate with DUI prosecutors to mitigate penalties or even dismiss your DUI charges altogether.
Don’t let a DUI arrest dictate your future. Take the first step towards resolution and reclaim your peace of mind by contacting us today for a free confidential phone consultation.
What Happens When You Get A DUI In Mesa?
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 Mesa, 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 MesaDUI 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:
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- 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:
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- 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 followimg 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.
Mesa, Arizona Implied Consent Law
Arizona, like many other states, operates under an implied consent law. This means by obtaining a driver’s license, you automatically agree to submit to a blood, breath, or urine chemical test if requested by law enforcement. Refusing to take a chemical test in will result in the suspension of your driver’s license, similar to what would happen if your blood alcohol content (BAC) exceeded .08%.
Should I Hire An Arizona DUI Defense Lawyer?
While facing a DUI charge in Arizona may initially seem straightforward, the complexities of the Arizona DUI law make hiring an Arizona DUI defense lawyer highly beneficial.
As you can see below in our penalties chart, the complexities of the Arizona DUI law mean there are many layers to the charge and the subsequent penalties. Having an experienced lawyer can make navigating these layers much easier. The bottom line is – if you are facing a DUI charge in Arizona, you need an experienced Phoenix DUI defense lawyer. The DUI lawyers at Future First Criminal Law will work tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a free phone consultation.
Standard DUI
(BAC higher than .08%)
1st Offense
- Jail Time Days: 1+
- Home Detention Days: After 1 Day Served
- License Suspension: 90 Days – 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $1,500+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 6 Months
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
2nd Offense
- Jail Time Days: 6+
- Home Detention Days: 24+
- License Revocation: 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $3,500+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 Year
- Community Service Hours: 30+
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
3rd Offense
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Home Detention Days: Not Available
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Revocation: 3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Extreme DUI
(BAC higher than .15%)
1st Offense
- Jail Time Days: 2+
- Home Detention Days: 7+
- License Suspension: 90 Days – 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $3,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 Year
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
2nd Offense
- Jail Time Days: 24+
- Home Detention Days: 36+
- License Revocation: 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $4,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1 Year+
- Community Service Hours: 30+
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
3rd Offense
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Home Detention Days: Not Available
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Revocation: 3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- 8 Points on License
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Super Extreme DUI
(BAC higher than .20%)
1st Offense
- Jail Time Days: 3+
- Home Detention Days: 11+
- License Suspension: 90 Days – 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $3,500+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 1+ Years
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
2nd Offense
- Jail Time Days: 36+
- Home Detention Days: 54+
- License Revocation: 1 Year
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- Community Service Hours: 30+
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
3rd Offense
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Home Detention Days: Not Available
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Revocation: 3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- Points on License: 8
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Aggravated DUI Felony
(Class 4 & Class 6 Felony)
Penalties
- Prison Time Days: 120+
- Supervised Probation: 5+ Years
- License Suspension/Revocation: 1-3 Years
- Penalties and Fines: $5,000+
- Ignition Interlock Device: 2 Years
- 8 Points on License
- Alcohol Screening and Counseling
- Traffic Survival School
- SR22 Insurance
Class 4 Felony
- Driving on a Invalid License (Suspended, Revoked, Cancelled)
- Driving Without Ignition Interlock When Required
- Two+ DUI Convictions Within the Past Seven Years
- Driving the Wrong Way
Class 6 Felony
- Driving with a Minor 15 Years Old or Younger in the Vehicle
Ready to Hire A Mesa DUI Defense Lawyer? We’re Here For You!
The complexity of the Arizona DUI law make it evident an experienced lawyer can greatly simplify navigating these layers. If you have been charged with a DUI in Arizona, the stiff penalties you face can cause significant disruption to your life. You need an experienced Phoenix DUI Defense Lawyer to review your case and guide you in deciding your next steps. The DUI lawyers at Future First Criminal Law will work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for your case. Call us today for a free phone consultation.
Choosing the right DUI lawyer is crucial to navigating through the legal complexities and potentially minimizing the impact of a DUI charge on your life. Here’s a few tips on how to choose a good DUI lawyer and what you can expect from their services.
How To Choose A Good DUI Lawyer
- Experience and Expertise
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- Look for a DUI lawyer with a track record of successfully handling DUI cases.
- Ensure they have extensive experience in DUI law and are familiar with the local court system.
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- Reputation
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- Research the lawyer’s reputation by reading client reviews, testimonials, and any disciplinary records.
- Seek referrals from trusted sources, such as friends, family, or other legal professionals.
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- Communication and Compatibility
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- Schedule a consultation to assess the lawyer’s communication style and determine if you feel comfortable working with them.
- Choose a lawyer who listens attentively to your concerns and responds promptly to your questions.
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What A Mesa DUI Lawyer Can Do For You
- Defense Building
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- Assist you in building a strong defense tailored to the specifics of your case.
- Collect evidence, interview witnesses, and identify potential legal strategies to challenge the prosecution’s case.
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- Court Representation
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- Represent you in all court proceedings, including arraignment, pre-trial hearings, and trial, if necessary.
- Present persuasive arguments and advocate for your rights and interests in front of the judge and jury.
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- License Reinstatement
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- Help you navigate the process of reinstating your driver’s license, including requesting a MVD hearing and presenting evidence of mitigating factors.
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- Negotiation and Advocacy
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- Negotiate with the prosecutor to secure favorable plea bargains or reduced sentences.
- Advocate for alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs or rehabilitation, to minimize the impact of a DUI conviction on your life.
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How Much Do Mesa DUI Lawyers Cost?
The cost of a DUI lawyer typically depends on lawyer experience, type of case, complexity of case, whether it’s an initial or subsequent arrest.
Providing an exact estimate for the cost of legal representation in a DUI case can be challenging due to the unique circumstances and complexities of each individual case. Therefore, it’s essential to undergo a thorough evaluation by an experienced Mesa DUI legal team. Following your DUI arrest or charges, the legal team will meticulously assess the specifics of your case to provide you with an accurate understanding of the potential costs involved.
Future First Criminal Law offers you transparent and competitive flat fee pricing for our legal services. Additionally, they understand navigating legal fees can be daunting, so they provide flexible payment plans and access to loans for clients who may require assistance. This approach ensures individuals facing DUI charges can access quality legal representation without undue financial burden.
Talk With A DUI Lawyer Today
If you’re facing DUI charges in the Phoenix Metro area, including Avondale, Buckeye, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Surprise, don’t hesitate to contact Future First Criminal Law for a free phone consultation. Our experienced DUI lawyers are here to provide comprehensive legal assistance and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hiring a Mesa DUI Lawyer worth it?
Facing a DUI charge in Arizona entails serious consequences and potentially lasting impacts on your life. Your defense against DUI allegations demands meticulous attention and unwavering commitment. Entrusting your case to a dedicated Arizona DUI lawyer maximizes your chances of securing a favorable outcome.
At our firm, we prioritize our clients’ well-being and legal success. We provide complimentary consultations to prospective clients, empowering them to gain insight into how we can effectively advocate for them in fighting DUI and other criminal charges. Don’t leave your future to chance—reach out to us today to begin building an effective defense strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
How do you beat a DUI in Mesa, Arizona?
One of the most critical steps in successfully defending against a DUI charge in Arizona is to enlist the support of a seasoned DUI lawyer. An Arizona DUI Lawyer possesses the expertise to thoroughly assess your case and devise the most effective strategy to challenge the charges against you. Skilled lawyers can identify instances where law enforcement erred or mishandled procedures, which can form the basis of a strong defense. This is a common tactic employed by defense lawyers to vigorously advocate for your innocence and achieve a favorable outcome in your case.