Tempe Aggravated DUI Lawyer

Aggravated DUI Attorney in Tempe

An aggravated DUI charge in Arizona is a felony-level offense, which can result in serious consequences if convicted. Potential penalties include prison time, a long-term license revocation, and expensive fines. It is not recommended that anyone facing this charge move forward without consulting a Tempe aggravated DUI lawyer. The stakes are high, but having a defense attorney can improve the outcome of any aggravated DUI case.

Hire an Aggravated DUI Lawyer With an Aggressive Approach

To beat an aggravated DUI case or mitigate the penalties of your charges, you need an aggressive Tempe aggravated DUI attorney. Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm can provide that. We are well-versed in aggravated DUI laws in Arizona. As a former prosecutor, our founding attorney understands criminal defense. We take a personal interest in each of our clients and work to develop a trusting bond with them. Our firm also knows how to make a good impression in the courtroom.

What Is an Aggravated DUI Charge in AZ?

Any standard DUI charge can be elevated to an aggravated DUI charge when aggravating factors are involved. Aggravating factors worsen the intent of the non-aggravated crime. For instance, when an individual gets a DUI that involves any of the behaviors listed below, the DUI can be charged as an aggravated DUI. Aggravating circumstances include the following:

• Driving without a license, whether the driver’s license was suspended, cancelled, revoked, or nonexistent
• Having a third DUI within the previous seven years
• Driving impaired while court-ordered to have an ignition interlock device installed on any vehicle they operate
• Driving the wrong way on the highway while under the influence of alcohol
• Driving under the influence with a passenger who was younger than 15 years old

Aggravated DUI Penalties in AZ

According to aggravated DUI laws in Arizona, the penalties for a conviction are severe. Some of them are outlined here:

• Prison time. A Class 4 aggravated DUI conviction requires a minimum prison term of four months, but this charge can result in up to 3.75 years of prison time, depending on whether there are other charges and prior convictions.
• Fines. Expect to pay a minimum of $4,000 or more in fees and fines if convicted of aggravated DUI.
• Probation and/or community service. This is often part of sentencing for aggravated DUI convictions, though the timeframe varies and can be ordered in addition to prison time.
• Driver’s license revocation. An aggravated DUI conviction carries a mandatory driver’s license revocation for a minimum of one year; however, in some situations, a conviction of aggravated DUI in Arizona can last for up to three years.
• Installation of a certified ignition interlock device. If a driver is still eligible to drive after they have been convicted of an aggravated DUI, it is mandatory that they install an ignition interlock device on all cars they will be driving. For non-aggravated DUI offenders, this is usually for one year. For aggravated DUI offenders, it is a minimum of two years.
• Drug and alcohol screening, educational class, and treatment. This is a mandatory requirement of aggravated DUI offenses.

In 2024, of the 23,599 DUI arrests made in Arizona, 3,891 resulted in aggravated DUI charges. If you were charged with aggravated DUI, you need a good Tempe aggravated DUI lawyer on your side. When you hire an aggravated DUI lawyer, they can see if your charge warrants an aggravated upgrade and assert your rights. If anything about your arrest wasn’t up to protocol, your lawyer in Tempe can identify that and potentially optimize the outcome of your case.

Tempe Aggravated DUI Court

An aggravated DUI is a felony charge. This means aggravated DUI cases are handled by the Maricopa County Superior Court at one of two courthouses. The first is in the Central Court Building in Phoenix, located at 201 W. Jefferson Street. The second is at the Southeast Justice Center, located at 222 E Javelina Avenue in Mesa.

FAQs

Can an Aggravated DUI Be Reduced in AZ?

Yes, in many aggravated DUI cases, the charge can be reduced, depending on other details of the case. Evidence, adherence to procedure, and/or false information in the police report can serve as leverage when your attorney is in negotiations with prosecutors. These factors can lead to reduced charges, dropped charges, or minimized penalties.

What Is the Minimum Sentence for Aggravated DUI in Arizona?

The minimum sentence for an aggravated DUI in Arizona is a mandatory four months in prison, without the option for an alternative sentence. This is in addition to fines, a license revocation, an interlock ignition device, and other potential penalties. This is a Class 4 offense; unless you can get your charges minimized, prison time is mandatory.

How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in AZ?

The cost of a DUI lawyer depends on the case. A complex aggravated DUI case can cost more than a simple DUI case. Lawyer fees also vary. Attorneys have different rate types and fee schedules, according to their experience level and the area they practice in. Request a quote from a local DUI lawyer in your area to know your costs beforehand.

Can a Lawyer Get You Out of a DUI in Arizona?

Yes, a lawyer can get you out of a DUI in Arizona if your case warrants a dismissal. Valid grounds for a DUI dismissal include:

• Erroneous evidence
• Procedural errors
• A lack of probable cause
• A violation of constitutional rights

At the very least, a good attorney can get your charges or penalties minimized in your case.

Connect With an Experienced Tempe Aggravated DUI Lawyer

The Tempe aggravated DUI attorney at Davidson Criminal Defense & DUI Law Firm has over 40 years of experience in defending DUI cases similar to yours. We take a personal approach with our clients and an aggressive approach to their cases. Our legal team knows how to get results while protecting your rights. Contact our office to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help in your case.