How Our DUI Lawyers Can Help Get You Back on Track
If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tempe, there’s no need to panic. While these cases are serious, you do have options. Facing a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol in the Tempe area might make you wonder if hiring a DUI lawyer is necessary. You might consider handling the situation on your own, but this often leads to more severe consequences. A criminal defense lawyer from Future First Criminal Law can guide you through your DUI case and work towards the best possible outcome.
A DUI conviction carries significant implications that can have lasting effects on your life. Convictions may result in jail time, hefty fines, incarceration, probation, license suspension, community service, or mandatory counseling. In cases involving super extreme DUI, which may encompass reckless driving and vehicular manslaughter, the stakes are higher, necessitating the expertise of criminal lawyers with specific experience in handling DUI cases to address these elevated charges effectively. An experienced DUI lawyer specializes in handling cases related to drunk driving, drugged driving, and intoxicated driving offenses. They focus their practice on defending individuals facing these charges. These lawyers possess valuable insights gained from handling similar cases, enabling them to devise effective defense strategies tailored to your situation.
Our DUI lawyers play a crucial role in defending you against prosecution charges and accompanying you to all court proceedings, ensuring you have competent legal representation throughout to negotiate for reduced sentences or charges, advocating for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. That’s why it’s crucial to understand how a DUI lawyer can protect your rights.
Navigating court hearings can be daunting, but with Tempe DUI Lawyers on your side, you’ll receive comprehensive guidance on DUI laws and gain clarity on potential outcomes, empowering you to make informed decisions throughout the legal process.
What Happens If I Am Pulled Over For DUI In Tempe?
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 Tempe, 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 Tempe 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
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
- One Leg Stand
- Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus
Arizona Implied Consent Law
Arizona, like many other states, operates under an implied consent law. This means that 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%.