Casa Grande, AZ DUI Defense Lawyers

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys for First, Second, and Subsequent DUIs in Casa Grande, Arizona

A DUI arrest can have a disproportionate impact on your life compared to other offenses at the same level. This is because your driving privileges can be suspended if you are arrested and a blood or breath test shows that your BAC is over 0.08 percent. You will not be eligible for a restricted license that would allow you to drive to work, medical appointments, and other essential places until you have completed a mandatory drug and alcohol screening.

Not being able to drive can be immensely costly. Finding reliable transportation to work, picking up your children from daycare, and even grocery shopping can all be difficult when you cannot drive yourself. Maintaining your social life can be even harder, as a restricted license would still not allow you to drive to see your friends.

The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C. will fight to protect your driving privileges, freedom, and reputation when you have been accused of driving under the influence. Whether you are facing a first-time misdemeanor DUI or a felony DUI, our experienced Casa Grande, AZ DUI attorneys will take on your case with confidence. We will carefully review the facts and circumstances of your case to identify your best options for defense. Our award-winning DUI lawyers have appeared on major TV networks like CNN, NBC, and ABC while handling high-profile cases and providing commentary on DUI law.

First-Time DUI Charges

When you are charged with a DUI for the first—and hopefully only—time, you will need to understand your options. While a first DUI with no aggravating factors is a misdemeanor, you could still face harsh penalties. However, the court is more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt when your attorney puts forth a strong defense. Many states allow courts to sentence first-time offenders to court supervision in lieu of jail time. Arizona is not one of those states. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 days in jail, although nine of those days can be suspended if your legal defense is well-handled by a skilled attorney.

Penalties for a Second DUI

Repeat DUI offenses are serious. If you are re-arrested for a second DUI less than seven years after your first DUI, you could face harsh legal penalties. Although a second DUI is still normally a misdemeanor, it carries much tougher sentencing. The mandatory minimum jail sentence is 90 days. If you complete substance abuse treatment, 60 days of this sentence can be suspended. However, this still means that you can expect to serve at least one month if you are convicted. You can also lose your driver's license for a full year, and you will be required to use an ignition interlock device for another year after your driving privileges are restored.

What Happens After a Third or Subsequent DUI?

Your third DUI within a seven-year period is automatically treated as an aggravated DUI, a felony offense. At this point, the court is likely to assume that you have a serious substance abuse problem, and you will be seen as a danger to the public because you habitually drive while intoxicated.

You could be sentenced to up to two years in prison, and you will be required to serve at least a few months. Spending this amount of time incarcerated can disrupt your life. Few employers will hold a job for an incarcerated employee, and many people are unable to keep their housing while serving time. Your driver's license will also be revoked, and you will have to petition for reinstatement after waiting at least one year.

After a fourth or subsequent DUI, you may face extremely harsh sentencing. Depending on how recent your priors were, whether there were any aggravating factors like an extremely high BAC, and whether you have previous felony DUI convictions, you could be sent to prison for anywhere between four months and 15 years.

Contact Our Casa Grande DUI Defense Attorneys

The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C. is committed to providing outstanding DUI defense. Our Casa Grande, AZ DUI defense lawyers will defend you zealously whether this is your first offense or your fourth DUI. Contact us at 520-220-5047 for a free consultation. We are available 24/7, so you can reach us promptly after an arrest.