DUI Defense Attorney Your First Meeting

Meeting, or even having a phone conversation, with a DUI defense attorney for the first time is a crucial step toward selecting legal representation to achieve the best defense possible. But be prepared for the attorney’s questions and do not show up or call empty handed.
 
 


 

Make a list

Have ready any documents you have regarding the arrest. Revisit the day of the arrest and the day before it, to establish a timeline of what you did, where did you go and who did you speak with, what were the topics, and how long did the encounters last. This will help the defense in calling character witnesses, so include the names and contact information.

Be forthright

The attorney will ask about what occurred before the traffic stop, during the stop, and afterward. Include what the arresting officer said to you and what did you say, if anything. It is best not to answer the officer’s questions to prevent convicting yourself.

Answer the attorney’s questions honestly, even if the answer is embarrassing, such as a previous DUI case and its outcome.

The attorney will explain the specific DUI law involved in your case, the common defenses available under law, and the punishment if convicted.

Confidentiality

Meeting with an attorney is confidential between the attorney and the defendant, so a spouse or a concerned friend are not allowed in the confidential meeting to maintain the attorney-client privilege. This protects the uncharged person from being subpoenaed during the course of legal proceedings as a prosecution witness.

Questions to ask the DUI defense attorney

Develop a list of questions to ask the attorney. What is the fee, how long has the attorney practiced DUI defense, how many similar DUI cases has the attorney handled and what were the results?

Many variables can exist. A DUI attorney cannot predict the outcome of your case. But you may inquire about the possibility of reducing the charge to reckless driving offense stemming from a plea bargain.

Consequences of a misdemeanor DUI conviction

Most DUI charges are misdemeanors. A first-time Class 1 misdemeanor DUI conviction requires spending time in county jail up to a maximum of six months and a minimum of 10 days. However, the time in custody can be as short as one day with the other nine days suspended.

The license to drive is suspended for 30 days, followed by a restricted license for traveling to work or school for 60 days, before the license can be reinstated at the defendant’s expense.

Fines total more than $1,500, plus the cost of jail, and the Arizona Motor Vehicle Department will require an ignition interlock device to prevent driving if the defendant had anything to drink. The court also will order alcohol screening, education and a treatment program at your expense. Serving time in service to the community may also be part of the punishment.

A second misdemeanor DUI conviction has more harsh punishments. Time in jail can range from six days to six months. Fines are boosted to a base of $3,468. The driver’s license is revoked for one year, but obtaining a restricted license to travel from home to work or school is possible after 45 days with expensive SR-22 (Social Responsibility) insurance, which is a document proving auto insurance coverage is in force.

Consequences of a felony DUI conviction

An aggravated DUI, such as obtaining a DUI with a child under the age of 15 in the car, is a Class 6 felony. A first felony DUI conviction is punishable by a minimum of 10 days in jail, but nine of those days can be suspended if the defendant finishes alcohol and drug screening classes.



Fines climb to $4,675.50 and the driver’s license can be revoked for one year, though it can be reinstated to a restricted license after 90 days.

The court may order probation for up to 10 years and pay a monthly probation fee which is approximately $65 per month.

The felon cannot own or possess a firearm, vote in elections, hold public office, or join the military. A landlord can refuse to rent the felon a place to live, and employers can refuse to hire the person. A professional’s license to practice, such as a teaching credential, can be suspended or revoked.

If you were to obtain a DUI while your license is suspended, revoked, canceled or refused, or while you were driving in the wrong direction, this is a class 4 felony. It carries a mandatory 4 months in prison followed by up to 10 years of probation.
 

Aaron M. Black Law for DUI Defense

Should you or a loved one be arrested for a DUI offense, it is imperative that you be promptly represented by an experienced DUI defense attorney such as myself. In my decades long career as an aggressive DUI defense attorney, I know that good people can make a mistake and find themselves in legal difficulty. That is why I work diligently to construct the best DUI defense possible while providing support and encouragement. That’s our DUI Concierge approach to your legal challenges.

I will scrutinize the state’s evidence for errors, omissions and the personnel records of the arresting officer looking for inconsistencies and errors. I also will work to develop information and evidence that is favorable to your case.

At Aaron M. Black Law you will receive personalized legal services. You will always be talking directly to me, never an assistant.

Begin your DUI defense immediately by calling or texting 480-729-1683 and I will respond promptly unless I am in court on at trial. Or use the online contact form on my website.
I defend DUI charges throughout Arizona, including Maricopa, Pinal, Yavapai, and Coconino County Superior Courts.