Tempe Felony DUI Lawyer

Felony DUI Attorney in Tempe

Getting a felony DUI can affect every aspect of your life, from career to family to relationships. The most impactful thing you could lose is your freedom. A Tempe felony DUI lawyer is a necessity if you want a chance at minimizing the penalties or charges if convicted. Don’t take chances by ignoring the benefits of hiring skilled legal representation.

Hire a Felony DUI Lawyer Who Has a Positive Success Record in Felony DUI Cases

At Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, our Tempe felony DUI attorney has experience as a prosecutor. This credential makes our firm the top choice for felony DUI defense cases. Our attorney knows how felony DUI laws can be used to the advantage of our clients. We form a trusting bond with every client we represent, and we can do the same for you.

When Does a DUI Become a Felony?

The majority of DUI arrests in Arizona are charged as misdemeanors, which are handed down to drivers found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content level of 0.08% or higher. Even an extreme DUI, involving a BAC of 0.15% to 0.199%, and a super extreme DUI, which is a BAC of 0.20% or higher, are still misdemeanor charges. What makes a DUI a felony is when aggravating factors apply. Examples of aggravating factors are listed below:

• Getting a third DUI conviction within 84 months, which is seven years
• Driving while under the influence of alcohol with an already revoked or suspended driver’s license
• Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol with a minor passenger under the age of 15 in the car
• Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol while court-ordered not to drive without an ignition interlock device installed

Additionally, a felony DUI case can occur when an intoxicated driver causes an accident that results in injury or death. In 2024, there were 5,520 alcohol-related car crashes in Tempe. Among these accidents, 3,574 people were injured, and 342 people were killed. Thus, 3,916 alcohol-related accidents were theoretically felony DUIs.

Felony DUI Penalties

Arizona felony DUI laws impose strict penalties on felony DUI offenders. Felony DUIs are Class 4 or Class 6 felonies. These charges are serious, and a conviction can carry minimum prison time, license revocation, fines, and long-lasting marks on your criminal record. A felony DUI in Arizona is often referred to as an aggravated DUI.

Penalties for a felony DUI include a minimum of four months of mandatory imprisonment. Drug and alcohol screening, along with treatment and/or classes, are also mandatory. Fines start at $4,000, and license revocation is mandatory for one to three years. The installation of an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you will drive is also a required penalty for all felony DUIs.

The only way to avoid these penalties is by getting your DUI charge downgraded to a misdemeanor or getting your charges dropped altogether. Either way, you will need a Tempe felony DUI attorney to represent your case. An attorney can challenge the evidence against you or negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors. Without knowledgeable legal counsel, you have very little chance of improving your case outcome.

Tempe Areas With Frequent DUI Arrests

Certain areas of Tempe have more DUI activity than others. For instance, Downtown Tempe (specifically, Mill Avenue), where there are a lot of clubs and bars, has frequent DUI arrests. Drivers travelling in and around the communities surrounding Arizona State University are also frequently cited for DUI, particularly on Scottsdale Road and Rural Road, where there are a significant number of college-aged drivers.

Apache Boulevard and Northern Tempe also have an increased number of DUI arrests.

FAQs

How Do I Avoid Jail Time for a DUI in AZ?

If you want to avoid jail time for a DUI in Arizona, you will need a DUI attorney, especially if you have a felony DUI. An attorney can analyze your case and determine what DUI defense strategy might apply to your case. For instance, there may be unfound evidence, no probable cause, or a violation of your constitutional rights, any of which could result in a dismissal. Otherwise, your lawyer can negotiate for minimized charges or an alternative sentence.

Is a DUI a Felony or Misdemeanor in Arizona?

In Arizona, a DUI can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the details of the case. DUIs with aggravating factors are considered felony-level offenses. Examples of aggravating factors include getting a DUI with a minor in the car or a suspended license. Getting a third DUI within seven years is also a felony. If you have a felony DUI, hire a felony DUI lawyer to get advice on your specific charges.

What Is Considered an Extreme DUI in AZ?

An extreme DUI in Arizona is defined as someone operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content of 0.15% or higher but less than 0.20%. A BAC of 0.20% or higher is considered a super extreme DUI. Both an extreme DUI and a super extreme DUI are Class 1 misdemeanors. With aggravating factors, they can easily become felony charges.

What Is the Penalty for a Felony DUI in Arizona?

A felony DUI conviction in Arizona carries severe penalties. A minimum of four months’ prison time is mandatory for felony DUIs. This prison time is not eligible for alternative sentencing, such as probation or community service. In addition, sentences include steep fines of at least $4,000 and a license revocation for a minimum of one year. Drug and alcohol treatment or classes, as well as an ignition interlock device, are also mandatory penalties for a felony DUI in Arizona.

Contact an Experienced Tempe Felony DUI Lawyer

If you have a felony DUI claim against you, don’t waste time. Contact a Tempe felony DUI attorney immediately. Early intervention can benefit you and improve your chances of getting a more favorable outcome. Contact Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm to schedule a consultation with our founding attorney. There, we can discuss a defense strategy for your felony DUI case.