Sierra Vista, Arizona DUI Lawyers

Aggressive Criminal Defense Attorneys Defending Your Rights After a Drunk Driving Arrest in Sierra Vista

A DUI charge can be very impactful. In some cases, it can be a catalyst for positive change. Many people who are arrested for driving under the influence are struggling with addictions to alcohol or drugs. Being arrested for DUI often alerts people to the fact that they have a problem.

After a DUI arrest, the court may order you to complete substance abuse education classes. Seeking treatment on your own can not only help you recover, but it can show the court that you are taking your case seriously and addressing the root of the problem. People who seek addiction treatment and commit to recovering are less likely to be charged with repeat DUIs, and they can often go the rest of their lives without being arrested again.

While you are dealing with all this, you need a compassionate and skilled criminal defense attorney to take on the legal aspects of your case. The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C. will represent you aggressively in court. Our experienced Sierra Vista, AZ DUI attorneys are leaders in DUI law. Founding attorney Michelle Behan is the only woman in Arizona who is Board Certified in DUI defense. She has also appeared on major news networks like ABC and NBC to discuss DUI policy. At The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C., you can be sure that your case will get the individualized attention it takes to win.

How Do Drug DUIs Work in Arizona?

Alcohol DUIs are fairly simple—if your BAC was over 0.08 percent, you are considered to be legally intoxicated. Drug DUIs are different. It is extremely difficult to determine a person's level of drug intoxication based on a blood test. You can be charged with DUI if there was any detectable level of an intoxicating substance in your body. However, many drugs, including marijuana, can remain detectable for days or even weeks after your last use. This means that it is possible to be charged with DUI while driving sober.

Underage DUI

If you are younger than 21 years old, you can be charged with DUI if you were driving with a BAC over 0.00 percent. Under Arizona's harsh zero-tolerance laws, you could be convicted of underage DUI or a related offense even if you only drank half of one drink an hour before driving. If you are a college student, you could face disciplinary action at school as well.

Can I Drive After a DUI Charge?

After an arrest for DUI and a blood alcohol test showing that you were over the legal limit, your driver's license will automatically be suspended. If not being able to drive to essential places like work, school, court, and medical appointments would impose undue hardship on you and your family, you may be able to obtain a hardship license. This license would allow you to drive for limited purposes, often with restrictions like using an ignition interlock device. You have a limited amount of time after your arrest to apply for a hardship license, so you must act quickly if you need to preserve your driving privileges.

DUI Penalties

The potential sentence you could be facing depends on factors like whether this is your first DUI or a repeat DUI and whether there were any aggravating factors in your case. The consequences of a DUI can include:

• Time in Jail or Prison: Even a first-time DUI can lead to jail time. After multiple DUI convictions, the court may assume that incarcerating you is the best way to protect the public.
• License Suspension: Many defendants find that having their licenses suspended is one of the worst parts of being charged with DUI. If you have a CDL, a DUI arrest can immediately jeopardize your career.
• Fines: The fines and court costs associated with a DUI can be steep.
• Drug and Alcohol Education: Most DUI offenders are required to complete a drug and alcohol education class, even if there is no clear evidence of a substance abuse problem.

Reach Out To Our Sierra Vista, AZ DUI Attorneys

The Behan Law Group, P.L.L.C. is committed to providing the best DUI defense services possible. Our practiced Sierra Vista DUI defense lawyers will do all we can to help you avoid a conviction. Contact us at 520-220-5047 for a complimentary consultation.