Phoenix Aggravated DUI Lawyer

In Arizona, an aggravated DUI (also known as felony DUI) conviction comes with mandatory prison time, costly fines, and the loss of your driving privileges. Do not accept these consequences without a fair fight. When you contact a Phoenix DUI lawyer at Suzuki Law Offices, we can help you craft an effective defense. We are former prosecutors who use our knowledge of criminal law to offer a professional and aggressive defense to clients throughout Maricopa County.

Being charged with an aggravated DUI in Phoenix can be an incredibly stressful and life-changing event. Unlike a standard DUI, an aggravated DUI comes with more severe consequences, including felony charges, lengthy jail time, and the possibility of losing your driver’s license for years. You may be feeling overwhelmed by the thought of facing such serious penalties, which could impact your career, family, and freedom. At Suzuki Law Offices, we understand the gravity of these charges and are here to provide you with the strong legal defense you need. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to protecting your rights and will work diligently to secure the best possible outcome for your case.

Aggravated DUI cases in Arizona are complex, and they require a skilled attorney who knows how to navigate the intricacies of DUI law. When you work with Suzuki Law Offices, you will receive personalized attention and a strategic defense tailored to the unique details of your situation. We know that mistakes happen, and we’re here to help you avoid the harsh consequences that could come with an aggravated DUI conviction. With our comprehensive legal guidance, we’ll fight to protect your future and help you move forward with your life.

When Does Drunk Driving Become a Felony Offense?

• In Arizona, you can be charged with felony DUI in a variety of situations, including:
• When you are pulled over for DUI and you have a minor under 15 years of age in your car
• When you are pulled over for DUI and you have an ignition interlock device installed
• When you are pulled over for DUI and you have a suspended driver’s license
• When you have been convicted of at least two other DUI offenses in the past 7 years

Driving on a Revoked or Suspended License

If you are accused of driving drunk on a suspended license, there are other possible defenses available to you. Was your license actually suspended? We will review the Motor Vehicle Division Abstract of your criminal record to determine if your license was suspended. If it was, did you receive notification that your license was suspended? The prosecutor must show that you knew your license was suspended. If they cannot do this, we will move to have your DUI charges reduced.

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How to Challenge Your Phoenix Aggravated DUI Charges

If you have been arrested for aggravated DUI, you need a Phoenix DUI attorney who understands all of the issues involved in these cases.

Suzuki Law Offices can help you understand the defenses available to you, which may include:

• Challenging your DUI stop: Did the officer have reasonable suspicion that you were driving drunk?
• Challenging the field sobriety test: Were your field sobriety tests properly administered? Are they reliable?
• Challenging the blood or breath test: Was the breathalyzer working? Did the test supply an accurate reading?
• Challenging your arrest: Did the officer have probable cause to arrest you? Did they read you your rights?

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” we may be able to get your Phoenix DUI charges reduced or dropped altogether. Don’t wait to take action – contact Suzuki Law Offices today to discuss your rights and legal options with our team.

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What Is an Aggravated DUI in Phoenix?

An aggravated DUI is a more serious form of driving under the influence, classified as a felony in Arizona. It differs from a standard DUI in several ways, mainly due to the presence of aggravating factors that heighten the severity of the offense.

Aggravating Factors

In Arizona, a DUI charge is elevated to an aggravated DUI when specific circumstances apply. Some of these aggravating factors include:

• Driving with a suspended or revoked license: If you are caught driving under the influence while your license is suspended or revoked, the DUI automatically becomes aggravated.
• Multiple DUI offenses: If this is your third DUI conviction within a seven-year period, it is classified as an aggravated DUI.
• Child in the vehicle: Driving under the influence with a child passenger under 15 years old can result in an aggravated DUI charge.
• Involvement in an accident: Causing an accident or serious injury while under the influence can also lead to aggravated DUI charges.

Penalties for Aggravated DUI

The penalties for an aggravated DUI are far more severe than those for a standard DUI. These penalties may include:

• Mandatory prison time (up to 2 years for a first aggravated DUI)
• License revocation for 3 years
• Significant fines and court fees
• Mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID)
• Mandatory alcohol education or treatment programs

Defending Against Phoenix Aggravated DUI Charges

Despite the severity of aggravated DUI charges, there are several effective defense strategies that a skilled attorney can use to challenge the case.

Challenging the Traffic Stop

One common defense tactic is to challenge the legality of the traffic stop that led to the DUI arrest. If law enforcement did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to pull you over, the stop may be deemed unlawful. This can result in evidence, such as breathalyzer results or field sobriety tests, being excluded from the case.

Questioning the Evidence

The accuracy of the evidence used against you can also be called into question. Breathalyzer machines can malfunction or be improperly calibrated, leading to inaccurate BAC results. Blood samples used to test alcohol levels must be properly handled and stored; any errors in this process could weaken the prosecution’s case.

Mitigating Circumstances

In some cases, your attorney may present mitigating circumstances to reduce the severity of the charges. For example, if you were unaware that your license was suspended or if the child passenger was unharmed, your lawyer can argue for reduced penalties or alternative sentencing.

The Long-Term Impact of an Phoenix Aggravated DUI Conviction

A conviction for aggravated DUI can have long-lasting consequences that go beyond fines and jail time. It can affect your personal and professional life for years to come.

Criminal Record and Employment

As an aggravated DUI is a felony, it will leave you with a permanent criminal record. This record can make it difficult to find employment, particularly in industries that require a clean background, such as healthcare, education, or law enforcement. Many employers may hesitate to hire someone with a felony DUI on their record, making it harder to rebuild your career after a conviction.

Financial Consequences

The financial impact of an aggravated DUI can be staggering. In addition to fines, court fees, and possible restitution to victims, you may face increased insurance premiums or even be dropped by your insurance provider altogether. The mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device (IID) also comes with monthly costs that can add up over time.

Loss of Driving Privileges

One of the most immediate consequences of an aggravated DUI is the loss of your driving privileges. In Arizona, a conviction can result in a three-year license revocation. This can make it difficult to commute to work, run errands, or meet family responsibilities, leading to further complications in your daily life.

Arrested? Get Help from Our Aggravated DUI Lawyers in Phoenix!

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense in Arizona, and is treated as such by prosecutors. If you have been arrested for aggravated DUI, it would be wise to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Suzuki Law Offices is available 24/7, so you can count on us to be there in your time of need.