At Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers, we specialize in defending individuals against DUI charges. You need the right legal representation to defend you in your DUI case, and that means finding the right Chandler DUI lawyers. Our Chandler DUI attorney will provide you with the strongest DUI defense possible. With our experienced DUI lawyer in Chandler, AZ, you will know that your rights are protected whether you are confronting misdemeanor DUI or felony DUI criminal charges.
Choosing the right DUI lawyer in Chandler can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Our attorneys at Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers have years of experience handling DUI cases. Our experienced DUI attorney offers personalized attention to each client, ensuring that your specific legal needs are met. Rely on an experienced Chandler DUI lawyer from our office to represent you.
DUI laws in Chandler are strict, and the penalties for a conviction can be severe. Arizona law defines DUI as operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Even a slight impairment can result in a DUI charge.
Arizona's DUI laws are among the strictest in the country. The state follows a "zero tolerance" policy for DUI, meaning you can be charged even if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit of 0.08% if the impairment is evident. The law also covers drug-related DUIs, not just those involving alcohol. Arizona statutes under ARS 28-1381 outline the various offenses and penalties related to DUI.
In Arizona, the penalties for DUI convictions escalate with the severity of the offense and the number of previous offenses. A standard DUI charge involves a BAC of 0.08% or more. However, you can still be charged with DUI with a lower BAC if you're found to be impaired to the slightest degree.
For a first-time DUI offense in Chandler, you could be jailed for up to 10 days and face a fine of $1,250. However, penalties become more severe with higher BAC levels or repeat offenses. It's crucial to have an attorney who understands state and local DUI laws to provide the most effective criminal defense.
In Arizona, the legal BAC limit for drivers over 21 is 0.08%. However, for commercial drivers, the threshold is 0.04%, and for drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol may result in a DUI charge.
It's important to understand that you can be charged with DUI even if your BAC is below the legal limit if you show signs of impairment. Our attorneys can challenge the accuracy of BAC tests and argue against the subjective interpretation of impairment. We scrutinize the procedures used in administering breathalyzer or blood tests to ensure your rights were not violated.
The penalties for DUI offenses in Chandler are severe and can have long-lasting impacts. They vary based on the severity of the offense and any previous DUI convictions.
For a first-time DUI offense in Chandler, you could face up to 10 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,250, as mentioned above. You could be compelled to install an ignition interlock device (IID) and complete an alcohol education program.
Repeat DUI offenses in Chandler carry more severe penalties. You could face up to 90 days in jail, a license revocation of 12 months, and a fine of up to $3,000. You will likely be required to attend an alcohol education program and set up an ignition interlock device on your vehicle.
Certain factors can aggravate a DUI charge in Chandler, leading to more severe penalties. These include having a BAC significantly higher than the legal limit, having a minor passenger in the vehicle, or causing an accident while DUI. Aggravated DUI charges can result in felony convictions, longer jail terms, and higher fines.
A. Alcohol DUIs
Alcohol DUIs occur when a driver operates a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) at or above the legal limit of 0.08%. These cases often involve field sobriety tests and breathalyzer results as key evidence.
B. Drug DUIs
Drug DUIs involve driving under the influence of illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs that impair driving ability. These cases typically require evidence such as blood tests and expert testimony to prove impairment.
C. Medication DUIs
DUI charges are not limited to alcohol and illegal drugs; they also include driving under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications. If these medications impair your ability to drive, you can face DUI charges.
D. Extreme DUIs
Extreme DUI charges in Chandler apply when your BAC is 0.15% or higher. These charges carry more severe penalties than standard DUIs, including longer jail sentences and higher fines. Our team is skilled at challenging BAC evidence and negotiating for reduced charges in extreme DUI cases. This charge carries a mandatory minimum of 30 days in jail.
E. Super Extreme DUIs
Super Extreme DUI charges are levied when your BAC is 0.20% or higher. These are among the most serious DUI charges in Arizona and can result in extended jail time, substantial fines, and prolonged license suspension. This comes with a mandatory jail sentence of 6 months.
F. Aggravated (Felony) DUIs
Aggravated DUIs are felony charges and occur under circumstances like a third DUI offense within seven years, a DUI with a suspended license, or a DUI with a child under 15 in the vehicle. This is a class 4 felony and entails a minimum prison sentence of 4 months.
G. Vehicular Aggravated Assault
If a DUI results in an accident causing serious physical injury to another person, it can be charged as vehicular aggravated assault. This is a serious felony charge that requires a strong legal defense. We work to protect your rights and minimize the consequences.
H. Vehicular Manslaughter
Vehicular manslaughter charges arise when a DUI leads to a fatal accident. These charges are extremely serious, with consequences including long prison sentences. Our firm provides compassionate yet aggressive representation in these cases, focusing on every detail to ensure the best possible defense.
A. Potential Plea Bargains
Plea bargains can be a viable option in some DUI cases, especially if there is a chance of reducing the charges or penalties. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and will assess whether a plea bargain is in your interests, weighing the pros and cons.
B. Driver's License Suspension and Reinstatement
A DUI conviction in Chandler often leads to driver's license suspension. We assist our clients in understanding the suspension process and work towards reinstating their driving privileges. This might involve attending a DUI school or placing an ignition interlock device (IID) on your car.
C. Mandatory Alcohol Education and Treatment Programs
Most DUI convictions in Chandler require the completion of alcohol education and treatment programs. These programs are designed to reduce the likelihood of future DUI offenses. Our lawyers can provide information on approved programs and help you fulfill this requirement as part of your sentence.
D. Fines, Probation, and Jail Time
Fines, probation, and jail time are common penalties for DUI convictions in Chandler. Fines can be substantial, and probation may include various conditions like regular check-ins and restrictions on alcohol consumption. The penalties are detailed in the specific sections above.
A. Arrest and Booking Procedures
If you are arrested for DUI in Chandler, the police will take you into custody and book you. This process involves recording your personal information, taking fingerprints, and possibly taking a mugshot. You might also be required to undergo a breathalyzer or blood test. After booking, you might be held in custody or released with a date for your first court appearance.
B. Administrative License Suspension (ALS) Hearings
After a DUI arrest in Chandler, you may face an Administrative License Suspension (ALS). This is a separate process from the criminal case and deals with the suspension of your driving privileges. You have the right to request a hearing to challenge this suspension.
C. Court Appearances and Legal Proceedings
Your first court appearance is usually the arraignment, where you will enter a plea. Following this, there may be pre-trial conferences, motions, and, potentially, a trial. We will represent you, handle negotiations, and argue your case.
Challenging a DUI charge in Chandler requires a strong legal strategy. Common defenses include:
Breathalyzer and blood tests can have errors. Our lawyers can challenge the accuracy of these tests by questioning the calibration and maintenance of the testing equipment. We also examine the qualifications of the person who administered the test and the test's administration circumstances.
If your rights were violated during the arrest process, it could impact the case. We scrutinize the arrest details to ensure that the police followed legal procedures. This includes examining whether there was probable cause for the traffic stop and if your Miranda rights were properly read.
Field sobriety tests can be subjective and flawed. We challenge the administration and interpretation of these tests. Factors like medical conditions, nervousness, and even the testing environment can affect your performance and the test results.
The arresting officer's testimony is crucial in a DUI case. We work to challenge the officer's observations and conclusions. This might involve questioning the officer's training, experience, or the conditions under which they made their observations.
A. Legal Expertise in DUI Cases
Our attorneys at Genesis DUI & Criminal Defense Lawyers have extensive expertise in DUI cases. We stay up-to-date with the latest DUI laws and defense strategies. Our experience in handling numerous DUI cases means we know what works best in different situations. We use our knowledge to navigate the legal system effectively and defend you against DUI charges.
B. Understanding Local Court Procedures
Understanding local court procedures is crucial to effectively handling a Chandler DUI case. Our lawyers are familiar with the Chandler court system and its personnel. We know the local rules and customs, which can be advantageous in your case. Our familiarity with the local legal landscape allows us to navigate the process smoothly and efficiently.
C. Building a Strong Defense Strategy
If you're facing DUI charges in Chandler, acting quickly and getting legal help is essential. Contact us today to schedule a case evaluation. Our team of experienced Chandler DUI Lawyers is prepared to defend your rights and fight for your future.
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