Arizona is known for its strict DUI laws, which carry serious penalties. If you’ve been arrested or charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in Anthem, Arizona, it’s important to have an experienced DUI lawyer who can protect your rights and develop a solid defense. A DUI conviction can lead to severe, lasting consequences that impact your freedom, finances, and future. The Anthem DUI attorneys at Arizona Law Group are familiar with Arizona’s DUI laws and are prepared to fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Contact Arizona Law Group today for a skilled DUI defense lawyer in Anthem, AZ, and nearby areas.
Why Arizona Law Group Is the Right Choice for a DUI Defense Lawyer in Anthem
Choosing the right Anthem DUI lawyer is essential when facing charges. Here’s why Arizona Law Group is a strong choice for DUI lawyers near you in Anthem:
- Former Prosecutors on Your Side: Our Anthem DUI defense attorneys include former prosecutors who know how the state builds its cases. We use this insight to effectively challenge the prosecution.
- Personalized Legal Support: We take the time to understand your situation, keep you informed throughout your case, and make sure you feel prepared for every step.
- Proven Results: Our attorneys have successfully defended numerous DUI cases, helping clients reduce charges, avoid jail time, or even have their cases dismissed. We are dedicated to helping our clients protect their futures.
A DUI charge can feel overwhelming, but with the support of our DUI defense attorneys in Anthem, AZ, you’ll have the guidance, knowledge, and experience you need to fight back.
Arizona’s Strict DUI Laws
Arizona enforces some of the toughest DUI laws in the country, with different types of DUI charges carrying varying penalties. These depend on your blood alcohol concentration (BAC), your prior offenses, and the circumstances of the arrest.
Types of DUI Charges in Arizona
Impaired to the Slightest Degree DUI
Arizona law allows police to charge you with DUI even if your BAC is under 0.08%. If an officer believes you’re impaired “to the slightest degree,” they can arrest you regardless of your BAC. This unique standard highlights Arizona’s strict approach to DUI enforcement.
Standard Misdemeanor DUI (1st and 2nd Offenses)
A standard DUI is typically a misdemeanor for first and second offenses with a BAC between 0.08% and 0.15%.
Penalties for a first offense may include:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines starting at $250
- A 90-day to one-year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device requirement
For a second offense, the penalties become more severe:
- A minimum of 30 days in jail
- Higher fines
- A one-year license suspension
- Ignition interlock device
Extreme DUI
If your BAC is 0.15% or higher, you may be charged with extreme DUI.
First-time extreme DUI penalties include:
- 30 days to six months in jail
- Increased fines
- License suspension
- Ignition interlock device
- Probation and alcohol screening
For a second extreme DUI offense, penalties increase to:
- At least 120 days in jail
- Higher fines
- License suspension for one year
- Ignition interlock device
- Required alcohol screening
Super Extreme DUI
A BAC of 0.20% or higher results in a super extreme DUI. The penalties for a first super extreme DUI include:
- A minimum of 45 days in jail
- Substantial fines
- License suspension
- Counseling and probation
- Ignition interlock device
For a second super extreme DUI offense, the penalties are even harsher:
- At least 180 days in jail
- Significant fines
- One-year license suspension
- Required alcohol counseling and community service
- Ignition interlock device
DUI Drugs
Arizona has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of drugs. This applies to illegal substances like marijuana and cocaine, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medications that impair driving ability.
Aggravated Felony DUI
An aggravated DUI is the most serious DUI charge in Arizona, with penalties similar to those for major crimes. You can face a felony DUI if:
- You were driving on a suspended license
- You have two previous DUI convictions within seven years
- You were driving with a person under 15 in the vehicle
Felony DUI consequences include longer jail or prison sentences, heavy fines, loss of driving privileges, mandatory alcohol counseling, and an ignition interlock device.
Charged with additional crimes? Contact us for a criminal defense lawyer in Anthem.
What Counts as DUI in Arizona?
In Arizona, you can be charged with DUI if your BAC is:
- 0.08% or higher for most drivers
- 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers
- 0.00% if you’re under 21
Even without reaching these BAC levels, police can still arrest you if they believe you’re impaired. Arizona’s laws are strict, and penalties are severe even for first offenses.
Penalties for DUI in Anthem, AZ
Arizona DUI penalties can be significant. Even first-time offenders may face:
- Jail time from 24 hours to several months
- Fines ranging from $250 to over $1,500
- License suspension for up to a year or longer
- Ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle
- Alcohol screening, counseling, and community service
A DUI conviction can also increase insurance rates and impact employment opportunities. The DUI lawyers at Arizona Law Group will work to defend you against these charges and help protect your future.
Arizona’s Implied Consent Law
Arizona’s implied consent law means that by driving in the state, you automatically agree to take a breath, blood, or urine test if an officer suspects you of DUI. Refusing these tests can lead to:
- An automatic one-year license suspension
- Your refusal being used as evidence in court
If you have refused a BAC test, our Anthem DUI attorneys can guide you through your options and protect your rights.
Common DUI Defenses in Arizona
Our Anthem DUI lawyers are skilled at using various defenses to challenge DUI charges. Here are some effective DUI defenses:
- No Reasonable Suspicion to Stop: Police need a legitimate reason to pull you over. If they don’t have one, your case could be dismissed.
- No Actual Physical Control: You can’t be charged with DUI if you weren’t in control of the vehicle. For instance, if you were parked and not intending to drive, this defense may apply.
- Inability to Establish Time of Driving: Without clear evidence of when you were last driving, BAC test results may be less reliable, as they must be taken within two hours of driving.
- No Witness to Driving: If no one saw you driving, there may not be enough evidence to prove you were behind the wheel.
- Improperly Administered Field Sobriety Tests: Field sobriety tests have specific guidelines. If the officer didn’t follow them, the results may be invalid.
- No Probable Cause for Arrest: Police need solid evidence to arrest you. If they lack probable cause, we can argue that your arrest was unjustified.
- No Miranda Rights Given: Police must read you your rights upon arrest. If they didn’t, any statements you made might be inadmissible in court.
- Improper Breath or Blood Test: Breath and blood tests have strict protocols. If those protocols weren’t followed, we can challenge the results.
Arizona DUI Statistics
Every year, thousands of people in Arizona are arrested for DUI. In 2019, there were 27,880 DUI arrests statewide. While lower than in previous years, this shows the state’s commitment to strict DUI enforcement. If you’re facing charges in Anthem, AZ, it’s crucial to have an experienced DUI lawyer nearby and on your side.
How Arizona Law Group Can Help You
At Arizona Law Group, our DUI attorneys in Anthem, AZ, provide committed and strategic representation to defend you against DUI charges. We examine every detail of your case, from the initial traffic stop to the methods used for testing, to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Our goal is to minimize or eliminate penalties, protect your driving privileges, and preserve your future.
Contact Our Anthem DUI Lawyers Today
Facing a DUI can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. If you’ve been charged, contact the experienced Anthem DUI attorneys at Arizona Law Group. We are ready to stand by your side, defend your rights, and work for the best possible outcome in your case.
Call Arizona Law Group today to schedule a consultation with a dedicated DUI lawyer near you in Anthem, AZ, who will guide you through the process and support you every step of the way.