DUI in Arizona? Don’t Go DIY: Here’s Why You Need to Hire a Scottsdale DUI Lawyer

Are you experiencing the repercussions of a DUI in Scottsdale, AZ? You have come to the right place! We have compiled a helpful guide for anyone who needs representation.
 
At times, a defendant of a DUI case may believe they can represent themselves in court to save money. We are going to touch base on why this isn't a wise idea.


Misdemeanor DUI offenses in Scottsdale carry mandatory jail terms, fines, ignition interlock, driving suspension, and alcohol classes. It is important you have a lawyer who practices DUI defense law in Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding communities, and is skilled in defending vehicular crimes filed against you. Let's dive into the penalties one may endure while facing a DUI charge in Scottsdale and why you need to hire a professional Scottsdale DUI lawyer for your case!

The Consequences of a Criminal DUI Charge in Scottsdale
An alcohol DUI conviction could potentially result in mandatory jail time, fines and the ignition interlock device (IID). It is essential for you to hire a law firm with the capability of conducting a full-scale DUI investigation on your behalf. Criminal defense attorney Aaron Black will deliver justice and defend your freedom in the Arizona court system. Contact him today to set up a free telephonic consultation.
 
The penalties for DUI in Arizona are some of the harshest in the country and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office will prosecute you if you are found guilty. A criminal conviction carries mandatory jail, mandatory fines, a suspended license, and the ignition interlock device. Depending on whether its your first or second DUI, the blood alcohol concentration, type of DUI, and history, jail can range from 1 day to 6 months for misdemeanors and up to 15 years for a felony.


 

1st Time Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence (under .15 BAC)

 

• Minimum jail 10 days jail, but 9 may be suspended
   
• Maximum Jail – 6 months
   
• $250 Fine
   
• $210 Surcharge
   
• $500 Prison Fund 
   
• $500 Public Safety Equip. Fund
   
• $20 Time Pay Fee
   
• $20 Probation Fee
   
• 90 day License Suspension
   
• Possible Probation up to 5 years
   
• Alcohol / Drug Screening & Classes
   
• Possible community service
   
• Pay for jail incarceration
   
• Possible monthly probation fees
   
• Possible SR22 insurance
   
• 1-year Ignition interlock (possible reduction to 6 months)
   

 

2nd Time Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence Above a .08 BAC (but less than .15)

 

• New DUI charge must be within 84 months of the date of 1st DUI conviction
   
• Minimum jail - 90 days jail, but 60 may be suspended if successfully complete alcohol classes
   
• Maximum Jail – 6 months
   
• $500 Fine
   
• $420 Surcharge
   
• $1250 Prison Fund 
   
• $1250 Public Safety Equip. Fund
   
• $20 Time Pay Fee
   
• $20 Probation Fee
   
• 1-year license revocation (Restricted license possible)
   
• Possible Probation up to 5 years
   
• Alcohol / Drug Screening & Classes
   
• 30+ hours community service
   
• Pay for jail incarceration
   
• Possible monthly probation fees
   
• Possible SR22 insurance
   
• 1 year Ignition interlock
   

 

DUI Penalties in Scottsdale, Arizona

If you have questions or if you are facing DUI charges in Scottsdale, AZ or surrounding communities in Arizona, you'll want an experienced DUI Defense Attorney with years of experience and who is a criminal DUI law specialist. Not a personal injury attorney and not one of the Phoenix DUI Lawyers who were former prosecutors.
 
The following overview of DUI penalties is provided for your information: 
 

• 1st Time Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence (under .15 BAC)
   
• 2nd Time Misdemeanor Driving Under the Influence Above a .08 BAC (but less than .15)
   
• 1st Time Extreme Driving Under the Influence Above a .15 BAC (but less than .20)
   
• 2nd Time Extreme Driving Under the Influence Above a .15 BAC (but less than .20)
   
• 1st Time Super Extreme Driving Under the Influence Above a .20 BAC

• 2nd Time Super Extreme Driving Under the Influence Above a .20 BAC
   
• Aggravated Driving Under the Influence “Kid in Car” (Younger than 15) Class 6 Felony
   
• Aggravated DUI Due to License Suspension or Third DUI in 84 Months Class 4 Felon
   
• 1st Time Teen drunk driving penalties
   
• 2nd under Age DUI Conviction

 
If you are in need of DUI defense, please contact or call Aaron Black for a consultation at 480-729-1683. A conviction follows a person throughout life. Let's touch base on some other life-changing effects of a DUI conviction.
 

Other Critical Life-Changing Effects of a DUI Conviction

In some circumstances a DUI conviction in Scottsdale, AZ can be a reason to terminate employment and can make getting another job difficult, mainly if an employer requires a clean driving record to avoid insurance liability and increased premiums. A criminal record can prevent entering jobs that have areas of sensitivity and company work policies may eliminate these applicants.
 

• Auto insurance rates climb as Arizona state laws require motorists to carry insurance.
   
• Property owners and rental agencies have long been able to refuse convicted applicants to protect their own interests and the safety of their tenants thereby preventing the offender from living in a decent place in a suitable neighborhood; Government supported housing may then become your only option.
   
• The federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in April 2016 decreed that landlords who refused to rent to people who have criminal records were discriminatory. HUD considers drug-addicted offenders disabled, and landlords must rent to them. It is presently unclear if that policy will be reversed under the new administration.
   

However, the federal Fair Housing Act does not give criminal offenders a protected status, and in some cases, landlords can refuse to rent to them.
 

Getting Sued in Civil Court

A DUI defendant can be sued by the harmed parties in civil court and awarded damages for medical expenses and other associated costs such as pain and suffering and lost wages.
 

• If the offense that caused the crash was particularly egregious, punitive damages to punish and serve as an example to others could be awarded, and the amount can be significant.

 

Impact on Professional Licenses

People who have professional licenses can lose their careers permanently or temporarily when their licenses to practice are revoked or suspended. Licensed professionals include: teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, physical therapists, veterinarians, pharmacists, pilots, accountants, stockbrokers, lawyers, any positions within the police department, firefighters, and commercial drivers.
 

• Professional licenses are revoked or suspended by professional boards that are staffed by members of the profession.
   
• They conduct hearings under administrative law, which has different rules and procedures than criminal and civil law.
   
• Defending a criminal case at these hearings and appealing the ruling requires competent legal representation as in any court.

 

Background Checks Haunt Offenders

A jury verdict, a guilty plea agreement, or a no contest plea is entered into Arizona state’s records system and can be researched by just about anyone.
 

• The Federal Credit Reporting Act allows agencies to conduct background checks for employers and allows even a criminal arrest to be reported for seven years.
   
• A conviction, however, stays on the record indefinitely. The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which conflicts with the law in some states, forbids employers from rejecting an applicant with a criminal record unless they have a compelling business reason to do so.
   
• The reputation and image of an organization can be compelling reasons.Employers in Arizona can lawfully turn away applicants who have a DUI arrest, even a misdemeanor conviction.
   

 
In 2017 however, Gov. Doug Ducey, through an executive order directed personnel officials to eliminate any questions about an applicant’s criminal record on state job applications. Known as “ban the box,” this directive does not apply to private employers.

 

Damage to Credit Scores

A DUI conviction in Scottsdale, AZ can indirectly harm a person’s credit score. The loss of employment income is a significant factor. So is failing to pay court-mandated fines or restitution.

• If not paid, the courts notify collection agencies and they then forward the delinquency to the various credit reporting bureaus resulting in a lower credit score and decreased financial stability.

 

Personal Harm From a DUI Conviction

On a personal level, the conviction and its consequences cause stress and have the potential of damaging a relationship, ending a marriage, losing the respect of family, friends, and neighbors, and the offender’s reputation in the community is tarnished.
 

• A person who is prominent in the community can expect the strain and humiliation of negative coverage in the press and on social media.
   
• A person can also experience depression, anger, embarrassment, loss of hope, and fall into a spiral of more alcohol or substance abuse, clearing the path to become a repeat offender.

 

Protect Yourself From the Start

The slide down this post-conviction path, in certain situations, may be mitigated or avoided with a strong DUI defense.
 

• Drivers who are pulled over because of a police officer’s reasonable suspicion of impairment should not offer to convict themselves when asked if they have been drinking or have a medical marijuana license.
   
• My advice is don’t answer questions. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution affords the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination. Law enforcement is well-aware of this.
   
• Be respectful and reserve the right to an attorney. That is because anything you say becomes state’s evidence and will damage your defense.
   

 

Making a Good Choice After a Bad One

If you do not know of an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Scottsdale, AZ, promptly contact your county bar association for listings of qualified DUI defense attorneys.
 

• People who can’t afford an attorney should contact the City of Scottsdale’s public defender’s office.
   
• Either way, be sure you have legal representation in place and an attorney by your side at the arraignment to guard your constitutional rights and avoid pitfalls.
   
• Depending on the different aspects of your case, an attorney can represent you in court without your presence.

 
When possible, acting on your behalf in the courtroom allows you to continue to go to your job and maintain the confidence that you have someone on your side working for the best possible outcome.
 

Top Reasons to Hire a Scottsdale DUI Attorney for Your Arizona DUI Case

Have you found yourself in need of a Scottsdale DUI Lawyer for your Arizona DUI case? If so, then it is important for you to ignore any advice suggesting you navigate the legal process on your own. You will more than likely make many mistakes on your own that could result in a DUI conviction. Here are the top reasons to hire an Arizona DUI lawyer to represent you:
 

Arizona DUI Law Is No Joke

After a DUI arrest, you will probably conduct a quick Google search to see what potential penalties you might experience with a DUI conviction. If you live in Arizona, then you will quickly learn that the penalties for a drunk driving conviction under Arizona law are substantial, especially for extreme DUI, super extreme DUI and aggravated DUI cases.
 
We encourage everyone facing extreme DUI, super extreme DUI, and aggravated DUI charges to seek immediate representation. Failing to do so could mean the difference between serving jail time, substantially reduced penalties, or a complete dismissal of the accusations. Contact experienced criminal defense lawyer Aaron Black today for help avoiding costly penalties like jail time, severe fines, and driver’s license suspension.
 

Collateral Consequences Could Negatively Impact Your Life

In addition to the penalties a judge could impose after a conviction, you will also face collateral consequences that could negatively impact your life long after your sentence is finished. Essentially, collateral consequences are any legal or regulatory restrictions that prevent people convicted of crimes from accessing a range of rights and services including employment, housing, business and occupational licensing, etc.
 
No matter your age, occupation, or financial status, collateral consequences can significantly alter the course of your life. It is essential for you to hire an experienced DUI lawyer to handle your case from the beginning. He or she can help you protect your future by minimizing or completely avoiding the collateral consequences that could restrict your power to make your own personal decisions and control the quality of your life.
 

Finding the Right DUI Defense Strategy Is Essential

There are many defense strategies that Phoenix DUI lawyers can use when representing their clients in court. The trick is to find the right defense strategy that applies to your specific alcohol DUI case. For example, many people find success challenging the validity of their blood alcohol content reading after a DUI arrest. Others find success challenging the validity of the field sobriety test and blood sample test performed by the Scottsdale police department. These are just two of the many possible defense strategies that could positively impact your DUI case. A Phoenix DUI defense lawyer can conduct an investigation and review your police report and blood testing results to find the best possible angle for you to pursue.
 

There Are DUI Lawyers on the Other Side

Many people assume that representing themselves in court will save them a lot of valuable time and money. However, this assumption carries a lot of risks. For example, there are DUI lawyers on the other side of your case who would love nothing more than for you to receive a DUI conviction. The local prosecutors working on your case will not go easy on you because you do not have a law firm representing you. They will continue to aggressively pursue a conviction to make sure your DUI arrest does not go unpunished. This applies especially to people facing a felony DUI charge, where the penalties are more severe, and the prosecution has little to no sympathy for the defendant.
 

Knowledge of Arizona Police Procedure and Legal Protocols

Every criminal defense case has legal procedures and protocols you must follow. This applies especially to your Arizona DUI case. An experienced DUI lawyer in Scottsdale will know the court deadlines you must meet and the documents you must file to make your DUI defense successful. If you miss these deadlines or do not file the right documents in a timely manner, then you will likely face significant legal consequences, including having your case delayed or being unable to argue the issues you want to argue. Therefore, it is essential for you to retain a knowledgeable Scottsdale DUI lawyer as early on in the legal process as possible. He or she will need time to review the facts of your case and look into any details that could impact your DUI defense.
 

The Best Qualifications You Can Look for When It Comes to a Good Defense Attorney 

• Is the best Scottsdale DUI lawyer for you listed in the National Advocacy for DUI Defense as one of the Top DUI Defense Lawyers in Arizona since 2014? Aaron Black is.
   
• Is the best Scottsdale City DUI lawyer for you listed in the 2012 and 2013 Southwest Super Lawyer Magazine as a Rising Star in Criminal: DUI Defense? Aaron Black is. Super Lawyer Rising Stars are nominated by their peers, and consist of no more than the top 2.5% of lawyers in their field of law under the age of 40 in Arizona and New Mexico.
   
• Is the best Scottsdale DUI lawyer for you listed in the Southwest Super Lawyer Magazine since 2014? Aaron Black is a Super Lawyer in Criminal: DUI Defense. Very few lawyers in the Phoenix area achieve such status during their career.
   
• Is the best Scottsdale DUI lawyer for you listed in North Valley Magazine as one of the Top Valley DUI Lawyers  since 2012? Aaron Black is.
   
• Is the best Scottsdale DUI lawyer for you rated by AVVO.com as a Superb 10.0 Lawyer? Aaron Black is. Read his Clients' Raving Reviews!
   
• Is the best Scottsdale DUI Lawyer for you rated by Martindale-Hubbel as an AV - Preeminent Lawyer; the highest level of professional excellence? Aaron Black is.
   
• Is the best Scottsdale DUI lawyer for you recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and awarded the "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" due to his litigation skills? Aaron Black is! "Top 100 Trial Lawyers" is an invite only Membership offered to the most qualified attorneys in each state who demonstrate superior qualifications of reputation, influence, stature and public profile.
   
• Is the best Scottsdale DUI lawyer for you recognized as a "Top 40 under 40" criminal defense lawyer due to his superior qualifications, trial results, and leadership as a young lawyer under 40 from 2013-2021 (when I turned 40) Aaron Black is.

 

DUI Defense You Can Count On

The Law Office of Aaron Black’s primary focus is DUI Defense. Representing clients in all Arizona City, State, and Federal Courts and I personally defend every one of my clients.
 

• I have personally logged thousands of hours in the courtroom obtaining favorable results for my clients.
   
• Many of my clients' cases result in dismissals, not guilty verdicts, no jail time, or substantially reduced charges.

 
If you or someone you know have been charged with a DUI in Scottsdale, AZ, please don't hesitate to contact the Law Office of Aaron Black or call 480-729-1683 for a consultation. We are a law office with plenty of experience and are always ready to take on a new case.
 
 

Contact an Experienced Scottsdale DUI Lawyer Today

As you can see, if you have a DUI around the Scottsdale area, it is vital to contact a professional Scottsdale DUI lawyer rather than representing yourself. We are here to help. Whether you are hiring us as a first offense DUI attorney or this is your second or third criminal DUI, no case is too big or small for our law office.
 
If you have a case in front of a Scottsdale judge soon, get the representation your case deserves. Call us for a free consultation today!
 
 
 

About the Author

Aaron Black is the founder and sole attorney of the Law Office of Aaron Black. Located in Phoenix, Arizona, his DUI and criminal defense law firm provides legal services to people who have received felony or misdemeanor charges from the state.

Aaron has developed a strong interest in defending people who have been arrested and received criminal charges for driving under the influence. With his professionalism and knowledge of Arizona DUI and criminal law, he has acted as a check and balance on the police, prosecution and courts and has protected a great number of his clients from excessive and unfair sentencing.
 
Along with DUI defense, Aaron handles a range of other criminal matters, including aggravated assault, burglary, domestic violence, drug possession, drug trafficking, drug DUI, fraud defense, insurance fraud, sex crimes and white-collar crime.
 
After graduating college in 2003 from the University of Arizona, Aaron decided to pursue a law degree. He followed a family long tradition and went to the University of South Dakota School of Law where he pursued his goal of becoming a criminal defense lawyer.
 
After passing the Arizona and South Dakota bar exams, Aaron joined the Maricopa County Office of the Public Defender where he defended hundreds of people charged with serious criminal offenses. His work as a public defender helped him sharpen his litigation skills and gave him a unique insight into the Arizona criminal justice system.
 
Over the course of his 15-year legal career, Aaron has spent a considerable amount of time in both Arizona justice, municipal, state and federal courts. He has argued over 50 jury trials, tried over 100 bench trials and has become one of the highest-rated criminal and DUI defense attorneys in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. He has received a 10/10 rating from the legal directory Avvo because of his legal background and successful case record. Since 2014, he has received the Super Lawyer rating for his work as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.
 
You can review Aaron’s Attorney Bio page for more information about his background, education and experience as a Phoenix DUI and criminal defense attorney.