Local Aggravated DUI Attorney in Mesa, AZ
While any drinking under the influence (DUI) charge may be serious for an Arizona driver, aggravated DUI is the most severe level of DUI. Many factors can trigger an aggravated DUI charge, but these cases can all end in a common result – felony conviction with life-altering consequences.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Mesa, time is critical. Speak to a Mesa aggravated DUI lawyer as soon as possible to ensure an effective defense is put forward in your case. Schedule a consultation today to get started.
For a free legal consultation with an aggravated dui lawyer serving Mesa, call 480-400-5555
WHAT IS AGGRAVATED DUI?
Under Arizona law, aggravated DUI is a specific statutory violation. It is a far more serious charge than DUI or extreme DUI, with penalties that reflect that fact.
Aggravated DUI may be charged when a driver:
- Has previous standard DUI or extreme DUI convictions
- Was driving with suspended, canceled, revoked, or refused privileges
- Has a child under age 15 in the vehicle
- Has a court-ordered certified ignition interlock device
- Was driving the wrong way on a highway
Aggravated DUI conviction has a specified schedule of penalties, fines, and mandatory minimum punishments. While courts have some sentencing discretion, a defendant should generally not expect leniency or any significant variations from the schedule.
Mesa Aggravated DUI Lawyer Near Me 480-400-5555
UNDERSTANDING WHAT HAPPENS AFTER YOU ARE ARRESTED
If you are arrested under suspicion of an aggravated DUI violation, the first thing that should happen is that your Miranda rights are read to you. It is important to know that at any point, from the moment an officer stops you until your hearing, you have legal rights, including a right not to self-incriminate and to remain silent. You also have the right to have an attorney represent you throughout the process.
The process following an arrest for aggravated DUI involves several steps, including:
- Confiscation of your driver’s license
- Issuance of a temporary license for use until your hearing
- Authorities notifying the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department of your pending suspension
- After initial processing, a crime lab will test your blood or urine samples for alcohol and/or drugs
- In many cases, the police will then release you to a responsible party
- The Motor Vehicle Department will mail a suspension notice
- You must then schedule a suspension appeal hearing within 15 days to protest your pending license suspension
- You will enter your plea on your court hearing date
- The judge will hear the evidence and make determinations about guilt and penalties
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Mesa Aggravated DUI FAQs
Q: How Long Does an Extreme DUI Stay on Your Record in Mesa?
A: In Arizona, a DUI conviction stays on your record permanently, including extreme and aggravated DUIs. You may be able to petition the state court to have your DUI record sealed or expunged, but there are no guarantees that will work. Since it is on your record for life and won’t go away after a certain period of time, a DUI conviction can cause serious issues throughout your life, such as impacting employment opportunities and housing options.
Q: Can a DUI Be Dismissed in Mesa?
A: Yes, it is possible to get a DUI dismissed in Mesa, AZ. However, it may not be an easy task to undertake. An experienced DUI lawyer may be able to help you get the charges dismissed, but it really depends on the circumstances of your case. If your lawyer is able to help you prove that the arresting officers did not have probable cause or searched you illegally, it can really improve your chances of getting the charges dismissed outright.
Q: Which DUI Offense Is Classified as a Felony in Mesa?
A: A DUI can be considered a felony in a number of different situations. If you are convicted of a felony DUI, you may face severe penalties that include a minimum of four months in prison, significant fines, and a loss of your driving privileges. A DUI is considered a felony in Arizona if you are drunk while driving with a suspended license, driving on the wrong side of the highway, driving with a BAC over 0.15%, or driving with a minor in the car.
Q: How Do I Fight a DUI in Mesa?
A: There are multiple ways to fight a DUI charge in Arizona. An experienced criminal defense lawyer in Mesa can help you devise a successful defense strategy. Some of the possible defenses you might go with for your case include challenging the legality of your arrest, questioning the efficacy of your breathalyzer test, showing evidence of a medical condition that might mimic drunken behavior, or proving that you were not actually driving the car.
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A MESA AGGRAVATED DUI ATTORNEY IS HERE TO HELP
If you are facing DUI charges, especially for aggravated DUI, you need to take decisive action to protect your rights, freedom, and future. Do not mistakenly believe you are out of options just because you have been charged; our team is here to help. With more than a decade of real-world criminal trial experience, our team has the knowledge and skills necessary to advocate on your behalf.
An aggravated DUI has the potential to severely damage your reputation, opportunities, and personal relationships going forward. A conviction may stay on your record for the rest of your life unless you petition to have it expunged, which is not guaranteed to work. The most effective way to avoid the fallout is to fight the charges now with the help of an experienced DUI defense lawyer. A severe DUI charge can haunt you for years to come.
Time is critical. If you have been charged with aggravated DUI or any other DUI crime, speak to our Mesa aggravated DUI lawyers as soon as possible so that they can review your case and start to work on building a solid defense.
The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group understands the kind of legal assistance you will need during this trying time. We can help you fully develop your case, figure out a viable defense strategy, and protect your interests throughout the duration of your case. We can provide you with the proper tools you will need to defend yourself. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member today.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
