Benson, AZ DUI Defense Attorneys

Proactive Lawyers Presenting Strategic Defenses Against DUI Charges in Benson, Arizona

Facing criminal charges is never easy. There is a stigma involved in DUI cases, and the collateral consequences can begin long before you have had a reasonable chance to defend yourself. An automatic driver's license suspension may apply soon after you get arrested. This can leave you in a difficult position. If you drive professionally or simply need your car to get to work, having your license suspended can create significant hardship quickly. While you may qualify for a hardship license that would let you keep driving to work, court, and other essential locations so long as you install an ignition interlock device, there is an application process that can take time.

While you are dealing with these challenges, an experienced and aggressive Benson, AZ DUI lawyer should be handling your case. The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C. takes on even the toughest DUI cases with confidence. Whether this is your first arrest or you are facing harsh mandatory minimum sentencing after multiple DUI charges, our dedicated DUI defense attorneys will do all we can to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Misdemeanor DUI Charges

The fact that your DUI is charged as a misdemeanor does not mean that your situation is not serious. You could still face harsh penalties like jail time, fines, and court supervision. You may be charged with a misdemeanor DUI if this is your first or second DUI and there were no aggravating circumstances. If you caused a minor car accident, you may still be charged with a misdemeanor so long as no one was injured.

While extreme DUI and super extreme DUI charges may sound like they would be major felony crimes, these offenses are ordinarily misdemeanors. However, driving with an exceptionally high BAC does carry harsher penalties than an ordinary DUI charge.

When Is DUI a Felony?

You may be charged with aggravated DUI if any of the following circumstances exist in your case:

• Third or Subsequent DUI: If you have been convicted of multiple DUIs within the past seven years, you will automatically be charged with a felony. The court will likely assume that you have a serious substance abuse problem and are a danger to the public due to habitual impaired driving. Significant prison time becomes more likely with each DUI charge.
• Child Passenger: You can be charged with a felony if there was a child younger than 15 years old riding in your car. This is often a problem for parents who are struggling with addictions. There is a strong likelihood that the Department of Child Safety will get involved if you are the child's parent or guardian.
• Problems With Your Driver's License: If your driver's license was suspended or revoked, or if you were driving on a restricted license due to a previous DUI when you were arrested, you may face felony charges. The court may believe that incarcerating you is necessary to keep you from driving while intoxicated again.
• Missing ignition interlock device: You will be charged with a felony if you were ordered to use an IID and were driving a vehicle that did not have one installed. Even if you are sober, you can be charged with a crime for driving a vehicle without an IID.
• Injury or Death: If you caused a motor vehicle accident that left someone injured or resulted in the death of another person, the charges you will face can be life-altering. You could be charged with manslaughter or even second-degree murder for causing a fatal accident while driving under the influence.

Contact Our Benson DUI Lawyers

The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C. is a firm of practiced and proven criminal defense attorneys. Our dedicated Benson, AZ DUI defense attorneys will do all we can to help you avoid being convicted of the offense you have been charged with. Contact us at 520-220-5047 for a complimentary consultation. Se habla Español.