DUI Defense Attorney in Arizona
Comprehensive Arizona Criminal Defense Services
DUI Defense Attorney in Arizona
As seasoned DUI defense attorneys, we understand that facing a DUI charge can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. A conviction can carry serious consequences, but being charged does not mean you’re automatically guilty. With the right legal representation, you can better understand your charges and explore all available options to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. While law enforcement can accuse you of driving under the influence, what truly matters is whether the prosecution can prove it in court—and many individuals charged with DUI are never convicted.
At Rowley Chapman & Barney, Ltd., our Mesa DUI defense attorneys have extensive experience defending clients against DUI allegations. We are committed to helping you understand your legal situation and will work tirelessly to protect your rights—whether that means fighting the charges in court or negotiating a favorable plea deal. Call us today at 480-833-1113 or reach out online to find out how we can support you.
What is DUI?
In Arizona, as in the rest of the U.S., the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers is 0.08 percent. However, for commercial drivers—such as those operating trucks or buses—the limit is stricter at 0.04 percent. It’s also important to note that you can still be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit, as long as there is evidence that alcohol has impaired your ability to drive.
Arizona law also recognizes a more serious form of DUI known as “extreme DUI,” defined under ARS 28-1382. This applies when a driver’s BAC is 0.15 percent or higher. Being charged with an extreme DUI carries harsher penalties, especially if it is not your first offense.
Alcohol DUI and DWI Statistics
According to the Arizona Traffic Crash Facts, alcohol-related crashes made up only 5.26% of all collisions in 2012, yet they were responsible for a staggering 34% of all traffic fatalities. That year alone, Arizona saw nearly 300 deaths and over 3,700 injuries from crashes involving impaired drivers. While DUI-related accidents involve drivers of all ages, nearly 30% of those involved were between 25 and 34 years old.
Given the significant danger posed by impaired driving, Arizona takes DUI offenses very seriously. Facing a DUI charge is serious on its own—but if you’re accused of causing an accident while under the influence, the consequences become much more severe. In any DUI case, especially those involving an accident, it’s critical to seek guidance from an experienced DUI defense attorney.
Penalties for Alcohol DUI
DUI penalties in Arizona are strict, even for those with no prior offenses. A first-time DUI conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 10 days in jail, though nine of those days may be suspended under certain conditions. The maximum sentence for a first offense is six months in jail.
In addition to jail time, first offenders can expect to pay approximately $1,800 in fines and surcharges. Substance abuse counseling is also required. Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least 90 days, and once it’s reinstated, you’ll need to install an ignition interlock device to ensure you aren’t driving after drinking.
If you’re charged with an extreme DUI—meaning a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15% or higher—you could face up to six months in jail and thousands of dollars in fines, assessments, and incarceration-related costs.
A second DUI offense significantly increases the penalties: one to three months in jail, steeper fines, and a one-year license revocation. A second extreme DUI comes with a minimum jail sentence of three months. Aggravated DUI charges, often stemming from repeated offenses or additional factors, can lead to more than two years in prison and a three-year license suspension following release.
Mesa DUI Defense Attorneys
Facing a DUI charge can be overwhelming, but a skilled Mesa DUI defense attorney can guide you through the legal process, explore your options, negotiate a plea deal, or build a strong defense to help reduce the impact on your life. The experienced DUI lawyers at Rowley Chapman & Barney, Ltd. are here to assist you with DUI alcohol charges or any other criminal defense issues. Call us today at 480-833-1113 — we’re available 24/7 to help you.
