Prescott DUI Attorney
If you are caught driving under the influence in Arizona, you could be sentenced to jail time and/or be required to pay exorbitant fines. To mitigate your charges or to get your case dismissed, hiring a Prescott DUI lawyer may be a wise option. It is better to fight your case with a qualified lawyer rather than face a judge alone and be met with an even harsher sentence.
No one is exempt from DUI charges in Arizona. In one example, a Prescott, Arizona, judge was charged with a DUI, causing her to resign. The lawyers at Grand Canyon Law Group are qualified to take on any client, no matter their background or the complexity of their case.
For a free legal consultation with a dui lawyer serving Prescott, call 480-400-5555
What Is a DUI in Arizona?
In Prescott, Arizona, a DUI is defined as driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, or a combination of any of these while operating a motor vehicle. If you are stopped by an officer who suspects you of a DUI, the officer may conduct a chemical test or a field sobriety test at the scene.
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DUI Laws in Arizona
It is illegal to operate a vehicle in Arizona if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or above. Arizona further breaks down a DUI as an extreme DUI and a super extreme DUI. An extreme DUI is when a person has a BAC well above the threshold at 0.15 or above, while a super extreme DUI is a BAC of 0.20 or above. In the Prescott Judge case, her BAC was tested at 0.158%, 0.219%, and 0.214% at testing intervals.
If you refuse a BAC test, your license will be immediately revoked for 12 months or for 24 months if it is your second time refusing.
A DUI is generally classified as a misdemeanor, and the related penalties are as follows:
- First offense – You could serve 10 or more days in jail and pay a $1,250 fine or more.
- Second and additional offenses – You could serve 90 days or more in jail and pay fines of $3,000 or more.
The consequences are more severe if you are charged with an extreme DUI or a super extreme DUI. For example, if your BAC is well above the threshold, you may be subject to:
- Serving 30 consecutive days in jail with no opportunity for probation and paying $2,500 or more in fines if it is your first offense.
- Serving 120 days or more in jail and paying $3,250 in fines if you are a repeat offender.
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Aggravated DUI Penalties
An aggravated DUI is when you are charged with a DUI with certain aggravated factors, such as getting a DUI three times within 84 months, driving under the influence with a minor under 15, driving impaired with a suspended or revoked license, or refusing a BAC test while driving with an interlock device. The sentence for these offenses is generally no less than two years’ imprisonment.
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Other Consequences for a DUI
In addition to serving time in jail, you may have your license revoked for 12 months if you are a repeat offender, and you may have to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle, be required to enroll in a DUI education program and be ordered to do community service whether it is your first or subsequent offense.
A DUI is also a crime that appears on your permanent criminal record unless you can get your records sealed or your case expunged. A permanent criminal record could mean losing employment, housing, licensing, or other opportunities.
When to Hire a Lawyer?
If you are arrested for a DUI, you have rights. You should especially exercise your right to remain silent until you contact a qualified Prescott criminal defense lawyer. Your lawyer may be able to negotiate your sentence and fines or even help get your case dismissed in some cases.
Prescott DUI Law FAQs
Q: What Is the Average Cost for a DUI Lawyer in Prescott?
A: The average cost for a DUI lawyer in Arizona is difficult to determine. However, there are several factors that are considered when lawyers set rates, whether fixed or hourly. Some factors that are considered are the lawyer’s skill and experience, the firm’s location, and the complexity of your case. While more complex cases tend to be more expensive, less complex cases may require fewer billable hours and be less expensive.
Q: What Is the Legal BAC for a DUI in Prescott?
A: In Arizona, the unlawful blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. If your BAC is at this level after being stopped by an officer, you may be arrested. Moreover, your criminal charges may increase if your BAC is 0.15 or above, considered an extreme DUI, or 0.20 and above, considered a super extreme DUI.
Q: Is It Worth Getting a Lawyer for a DUI in Prescott?
A: Yes, it’s worth it to get a lawyer for a DUI in Prescott. DUI charges are serious and may be on your record permanently unless you can get your case expunged or your records sealed. In addition, you can face jail time or risk paying hefty fines if you are convicted of a DUI. A skilled lawyer may help you circumvent these charges, get them reduced, or get your case completely dismissed.
Q: Why Do Lawyers Drag Out DUI Cases?
A: Some lawyers may choose to drag out or extend DUI cases to improve their chances of winning the case. Dragging out or delaying your case gives your lawyer more time to investigate your case, which means collecting more evidence and building a more solid case in your defense. However, sometimes, cases are dragged out because of blockages in the court system.
Contact a Qualified DUI Lawyer Today
If you are charged with a DUI in Arizona, you may want to reach out to a lawyer before those charges turn into a conviction. Once you are convicted, it is difficult to get your charges reversed or mitigated. As early as your arrest, you should reach out to one of our lawyers at Grand Canyon Law Group. We are here to represent you and bring you one step closer to freedom.
Call or text 480-400-5555 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form