Glendale Aggravated DUI Lawyer

Aggravated DUI Attorney in Glendale

An aggravated driving under the influence (DUI) charge can cause significant turmoil in your life. It can impact your employment opportunities, your ability to find housing options, your personal relationships, and some of your freedoms, including your right to vote. You will have a felony charge on your record for life. If you are ever charged with an aggravated DUI, you should reach out to a Glendale aggravated DUI lawyer who can help.

Make no mistake about it. An aggravated DUI charge is bad news for your life. It is vital that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself if you ever find yourself facing such a charge, like contacting Grand Canyon Law Group. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer in Glendale can help you guarantee that a legal professional is handling your case with care.

What Exactly Is an Aggravated DUI?

Under Arizona state law, a DUI evolves into an aggravated DUI if certain criteria are met that warrant a higher degree of penalty for the crime in question. It makes the situation considerably more serious, and the penalties can include significant prison time, hefty fines, or both. If aggravating factors are present in your case, there is a good chance the prosecution will amend the charges to reflect those factors.

These aggravating factors include:

• Driving while intoxicated with a minor under 15 years old in the car.
• Driving while intoxicated with a revoked or suspended driver’s license.
• A third DUI charge after two previous DUI convictions at some point in the past seven years.
• Driving while intoxicated with an ignition interlock device installed in your car.
• Refusing to submit a blood alcohol content (BAC) test while you have an ignition interlock device installed in your car.
• Driving while intoxicated is in direct violation of a court order.
• Driving the wrong way down a highway while intoxicated.
• Causing an accident that results in serious injury or someone’s death while intoxicated.
• Speeding while intoxicated.
• Having a blood alcohol content above 0.15%.

The Process of Being Arrested for an Aggravated DUI in Glendale

The process of being arrested for a suspected aggravated DUI is detailed but important to fully understand. It begins with an arrest after being pulled over. If you are found to have violated aggravated DUI laws by having a high blood alcohol content, you are likely to be arrested.

The arresting officer will read you your Miranda rights and arrest you. Never forget that you can exercise your constitutional rights whenever you want. This includes your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel. You don’t have to respond to the police.

The process will likely look something like this:

• The police will confiscate your driver’s license, and you may not get it back, depending on your situation.
• You will likely be given a temporary driver’s license that you can use until your hearing.
• The police will let the Arizona DMV know of your situation.
• When you are formally processed, your blood and urine will be tested for alcohol and other drugs.
• You may be released into the care of a responsible party, depending on your case.
• You will be mailed a suspension notice by the DMV.
• You need to schedule an appeal hearing for your suspension within 15 days of receiving the notice.
• At your hearing, you will plead guilty or not guilty. The judge will consider your plea.

What to Expect During Your Trial

Felony aggravated DUIs are usually handled at the Maricopa County Superior Court. They follow a similar timeline to that of misdemeanor cases, but there are some key differences, such as the severity of potential penalties. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Initial appearance. You’ll make an initial appearance before the court upon your arrest.
2. Arraignment. At this first formal court appearance, you’ll have the charges read against you and enter your plea.
3. Disclosure and discovery. During this mandated pre-trial exchange of evidence and information, you and your lawyer can gain access to everything from witness statements to police reports and lab results.
4. Motions. If there are reasons to dismiss any of the evidence against you, your lawyer can bring motions to do so during this phase.
5. Plea negotiations. You’ll have the chance to try to negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution before going to trial.
6. Trial. If you can’t come to an agreement regarding a plea bargain, your case goes to a jury trial.

Aggravated DUI Penalties

Aggravated DUIs are typically charged as felonies. The level of felony, either Class 4 or Class 6, depends on the specific allegations against you. If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI in Arizona, you could face substantial penalties as a first-time felony offender. They include:

• Mandatory prison time. For a Class 6 felony aggravated DUI, you may spend between six months and a year and a half in prison. A Class 4 felony aggravated DUI can leave you facing a sentence of between one and 3 ¾ years. Repeat felony aggravated DUI convictions can result in up to 5 ¾ years for a Class 6 felony and up to 15 years for a Class 4 felony in prison.
• Fines. You could be ordered to pay a fine of up to $4,000.
• Revoked license. Your license could be revoked for up to a year following your conviction.
• CIID. You may need to have a certified ignition interlock device installed in your motor vehicle for up to a year.
• Treatment and education. You may be required to participate in a substance abuse treatment program, driver safety education training course, or both before you can get your license back.
• Community service. A judge can order community service as part of your sentence.

Why Hire an Aggravated DUI Lawyer?

Arizona has a serious drinking and driving problem. In 2023, police made 462 arrests for DUIs over Labor Day weekend alone. These included 68 aggravated DUIs. While it’s true that people drink more around the holidays, driving while intoxicated is a problem year-round. In 2024, 5,520 crashes occurred in AZ due to alcohol use, 312 of which were fatal.

If you’ve been caught behind the wheel while you were extremely intoxicated, you need to hire an aggravated DUI lawyer right away. Your lawyer can help you come up with an effective defense against the charges and improve your chances of walking away from them without losing your license.

Glendale Aggravated DUI FAQs

Q: How Much Does a DUI Lawyer Cost in Glendale?

A: There is no telling how much a DUI lawyer may cost in Glendale. Every DUI case is different, with each case having its own unique set of details and circumstances. Due to this, the amount a lawyer may charge you will depend on the case itself. In addition, your lawyer’s fees may take into account their availability, caseload, education, experience, and resources. You and your lawyer will agree on a total fee before signing any paperwork.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for a DUI in Glendale?

A: Yes, you should absolutely hire a lawyer for a DUI in Glendale. It is recommended that you retain legal counsel any time you are dealing with a legal issue. While you are well within your legal rights to handle your case on your own and not hire a lawyer, you may not get the result you are hoping for. Having someone on your side who understands the complexities of the law can only help you in the long run.

Q: What Is the Difference Between an Extreme DUI and an Aggravated DUI?

A: The main difference between an extreme DUI and an aggravated DUI is the total BAC present in your breathalyzer test at the time of arrest. If your BAC is at least 0.15%, you will automatically be charged with an extreme DUI. A DUI becomes an aggravated DUI when certain aggravating factors are present at the arrest, including a minor in the car or driving without a license.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for an Aggravated DUI in Glendale?

A: The minimum sentence for an aggravated DUI in Glendale is four months in prison. In addition to significant prison time, you will likely face a revocation of your driver’s license for at least a year and a fine of over $4,000. Depending on whether or not this is your first offense, you could be looking at additional penalties such as mandatory probation, substance abuse treatment courses, and an ignition interlock device in your car.

Reach Out to an Experienced Aggravated DUI Lawyer

It can feel terrifying to face a charge for an aggravated DUI. You may be feeling angry, isolated, and scared for the future. An experienced aggravated DUI lawyer in Glendale can help you focus your case and make sure everything is handled correctly. Hiring the right lawyer may be the most important decision you make during your case.

The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group knows the kind of legal help you need throughout this trying time. We can help you build up your aggravated DUI case, gather evidence that supports you, and represent your interests throughout the case. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.

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