Chandler DUI Lawyer

Experienced DUI Attorney in Chandler, AZ

A DUI conviction can impact your driver’s license, finances, employment prospects, and reputation for years. If you’ve been charged with impaired driving in Arizona, talk to a Chandler DUI lawyer from Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm to learn more about how the law applies to your situation.

About Our Maricopa County DUI Defense Firm

Here at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, we represent clients facing criminal and DUI-related charges throughout the Phoenix metro area.

We believe everyone should have their rights protected and their version of events heard. Our attorneys are committed to providing you with timely updates and knowledge about your case while helping you understand Arizona’s criminal justice system.

Understanding Arizona’s DUI Laws

Arizona has some of the toughest DUI laws in the nation. Per Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-1381, you can receive a DUI charge if you drive or are in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

Arizona DUI laws prohibit driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater for most drivers. For commercial drivers, the BAC threshold is 0.04%, and if you’re under 21, any BAC above zero is illegal.

There are also enhanced charges for driving with particularly high levels of alcohol in your system. Arizona Revised Statutes § 28-1382 imposes the Extreme DUI and Super Extreme DUI offenses on persons driving with a BAC of 0.15% or greater and 0.20% or greater, respectively.

Many first and second DUI charges are class 1 misdemeanors. However, aggravating factors can elevate a DUI charge to the felony level. These can include: 

• Driving with your license suspended or revoked
• Having two or more prior DUIs on your record over the last seven years
• Having a child under the age of 15 in your vehicle

DUI Enforcement in Chandler

Situated southeast of downtown Phoenix, Chandler is crisscrossed by major routes like Loop 101, Loop 202, and Interstate 10. Because of the very car-dependent nature of the Phoenix metro area, Chandler’s commuter roads can see high volumes of travel, and local law enforcement may actively patrol busy areas during peak hours, weekends, holidays, and special events. Chandler’s Police Department even has a dedicated DUI Enforcement Unit.

Reasons a DUI Arrest May Happen

The typical image of a traffic stop that leads to a DUI investigation involves egregious driving mistakes, like speeding through a stop sign. Still, officers frequently make stops for both major and minor traffic offenses, as well as for behaviors that may seem innocuous. These may include:

• Driving too fast or too slow
• Failing to drive within a lane
• Failing to turn the headlights on
• Breaking erratically
• Ignoring a traffic signal or stop sign
• Being involved in a motor vehicle accident

After pulling someone over on suspicion of DUI, law enforcement officers may question the driver, look for signs of impairment, administer field sobriety tests, and request that the driver submit to chemical testing. Information gathered through these methods may serve as evidence in criminal proceedings.

According to the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, there were a total of 23,599 DUI arrests for non-aggravated charges statewide in 2024. Of these, 5,193 were for DUI extreme, and 19,708 were for DUI misdemeanor. Chandler PD made 1,063 DUI arrests that year.

Arizona’s DUI Penalties

Arizona imposes firm penalties for driving under the influence. Penalties may include:

• Mandatory minimum jail time
• Fines
• License suspension
• Education or treatment programs
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device

These penalties can escalate if you have prior DUI convictions, were driving with a high BAC, or if an aggravating factor applied to your case.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

A Chandler DUI attorney can help you understand what administrative and criminal penalties you may be facing. They can work to defend you against your charges or help you negotiate a plea agreement for a lesser sentence. An attorney can also help you understand court procedures, evidentiary issues, and Arizona’s DUI laws.

Depending on the circumstances of your DUI case, you may have to go through multiple court appearances and perhaps even a trial prior to the final disposition. An attorney can walk with you through this legal journey, keeping you informed and prepared at every step.

FAQs

Can a DUI Affect My Professional License in Arizona?

Yes, some professional licensing authorities may retract, restrict, or refuse to issue your license if you have a DUI on your record. For example, a pharmacist licensed by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy may be held accountable to the definitions of unethical and unprofessional conduct established in A.R.S. § 32-1901.01, which include various behaviors related to excessive or illegal alcohol or drug use and could potentially cover a DUI.

Does a DUI Increase My Car Insurance Rates?

Drivers can often expect increases in insurance rates after a DUI conviction. Most carriers consider DUI offenders high-risk drivers and rate them accordingly. Your rates may go up drastically, or your carrier may simply refuse to renew your policy. DUIs are costly not only due to direct penalties, but also because they affect your insurance rates for years to come.

Can a Tourist Be Charged With a DUI While Visiting Chandler?

Yes, out-of-state tourists may be charged with DUI while visiting Chandler, as anyone driving within Arizona must follow state traffic laws. If you are arrested for a DUI in Chandler while traveling, you may have to appear in court and suffer penalties under Arizona state law, including potentially serving mandatory jail time. You may also face driver’s license penalties and other consequences in your home state.

What Happens if I Am Arrested for a DUI While Driving a Rental Car?

If you are arrested for a DUI while driving a rental car in Arizona, you are still subject to state DUI laws. The rental company may also impose its own consequences, depending on the terms of your rental agreement. You may be held liable for additional fees, such as impoundment fees. Rental companies may also charge you higher insurance costs in the future or refuse to serve you altogether.

Contact Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm

When you hire a DUI lawyer from Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm, you can breathe easier knowing your case is in the skilled hands of a team with over 20 years of legal experience. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.