DUI Basics

Arizona Drunk Driving Defense Lawyer

For many people, a drunk driving arrest is the only time they will ever be arrested, and because of this, the criminal justice system can often prove to be confusing and overwhelming. In fact, most of these people are embarrassed by the whole situation. The Law Office of John Tatz, P.C. will answer your questions and help you through the complex legal process.

Contact my office at 602.253.6889 to arrange your free initial consultation.

Phoenix Drunk Driving Defense Attorney

Although every drunk driving case is different, the process typically proceeds as follows:

  • Traffic stop: This includes the DUI investigation, subsequent arrest, and the administration of the breath or blood alcohol test.
  • First court date for arraignment: By pleading not guilty, you afford yourself the opportunity to have a jury trial or enter into a reasonable plea agreement. If you plead guilty, you will waive these rights.
  • Second court date for pretrial conference: At this point, I will obtain documents from the prosecutor's office including the police report and reports on the chemical testing, file any pretrial motions, and negotiate possible plea agreements. If your case is not dismissed or a plea agreement is not reached after one or more pretrial conferences, the court will set a trial date.
  • Trial management conference: Before your trial, the judge may schedule a meeting to discuss pretrial motions and ensure that the parties are ready for trial.
  • Trial and sentencing: A typical trial will last one to two days and will either be a bench trial (in front of a judge) or jury trial. If a guilty verdict is reached, the court will sentence you based upon the DUI sentencing guidelines for the State of Arizona.

For a first non-Extreme DUI, the current mandatory minimum sentence must include:

  • 10 days in jail, but 9 may be suspended. Everyone convicted of DUI in Arizona must spend at least 24 hours in jail.
  • Fines, fees, and assessments of at least $1450, and usually more for jail costs.
  • A substance abuse evaluation and any education or counseling that is recommended as a result of the evaluation.
  • A 90-day license suspension (with a work permit for the final 60 days of that suspension) if it has not already been imposed by MVD
  • 8 points on your MVD record (which will require either Traffic Survival School or an additional "points" suspension

For a non-Extreme DUI conviction with a prior DUI conviction within the past 84 months (7 years), the current mandatory minimum sentence must include:

  • 90 days in jail, but 60 days may be suspended.
  • Fines, fees and assessments of at least $3400, and usually more for jail costs.
  • A substance abuse evaluation and any education or counseling that is recommended as a result of the evaluation.
  • A one-year license revocation, with the installation of a certified ignition interlock device on a vehicle for the first year after the license is reinstated.

At The Law Office of John Tatz, P.C., I have considerable experience handling DUI cases and can provide you with effective, aggressive representation should your case go to trial. If you are convicted, I will work diligently to secure you the fairest possible sentence. I will conduct a full investigation of your case, including examining the scene, reading police reports, and interviewing law enforcement officials. I will also review the maintenance records of the blood alcohol/breath (breathalyzer) testing equipment to make sure it was working properly and accurately at the time of your arrest. Based on my findings, I will provide you with realistic expectations of what is likely going to happen with your case at every stage.

My practice will also assist you with your DUI License Suspension Issues and may be able to delay any suspension of your license, so that you are able to fulfill your daily obligations, such as work or school.

I am there for you.

If you have been arrested for DUI/DWI, hiring an experienced attorney can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case. At The Law Office of John Tatz, P.C., I can help make sure that your legal rights are protected. Contact my office immediately at 602.253.6889 to arrange your free initial consultation. I accept all major credit cards and have a 24-hour answering service, so that we may be reached at all times.
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