Apache Junction Aggravated DUI Lawyer

Apache Junction Aggravated DUI Attorney

A driving under the influence (DUI) charge can cause consequences you may be unprepared for. However, a charge of an aggravated DUI is the most severe charge for DUI that you can get in Arizona. If you are convicted of an aggravated DUI, you will have a felony charge on your criminal record, and you will likely be facing mandatory prison time. If you are charged with such a crime, you should reach out to an Apache Junction aggravated DUI lawyer today.

An aggravated DUI charge can cause ripples across your entire life and impact your employment opportunities, housing situation, personal relationships, and even your ability to drive. It is important that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself, or you risk losing more than you may expect. A DUI lawyer in Apache Junction is your safest bet to take on the charges against you.

What Is Aggravated DUI?

In Arizona, a DUI becomes an aggravated DUI if it means certain criteria that make the entire situation considerably more serious. If these certain aggravating factors are present, the prosecution will likely raise the charges to reflect the seriousness of the situation. If your charges get boosted to aggravated status, the penalties will be much worse upon conviction. Those aggravated factors include:

• Driving under the influence with a suspended or revoked driver’s license.
• Driving under the influence with a minor under 15 years old in the vehicle.
• Being charged with a third DUI after having had two prior DUI convictions in the past seven years.
• Driving under the influence with an ignition interlock device in your car.
• Refusing to submit to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test while you have an ignition interlock device in your car.
• Driving under the influence in violation of a court order.
• Driving the wrong way on a highway while under the influence.
• Causing someone a serious injury or causing a death while driving under the influence.
• Excessive speeding while driving under the influence.
• Driving with a BAC above 0.15%.

What Happens When You Are Arrested

When you are arrested for a suspected aggravated DUI, you will be read your Miranda rights by the arresting officer. It is important to remember that you can exercise your legal rights whenever you wish to do so. This includes your right to remain silent and your right to legal counsel. You do not have to say anything to the police that you don’t want to, even if they try to pressure you.

Here is a brief look at what the arresting process may look like:

• Your driver’s license will be confiscated. Depending on the situation, you may not get it back.
• You will be issued a temporary driver’s license to use until your hearing.
• Law enforcement will notify the Arizona DMV of your impending license suspension.
• After you are processed, your blood and/or urine will be tested for alcohol and other possible substances.
• Depending on your case, you may be released to a responsible party.
• The Department of Motor Vehicles will mail you a suspension notice.
• You will have to schedule an appeal hearing for your suspension within 15 days of your notice to challenge your suspension.
• On the date of your court hearing, you will enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
• The judge will consider your plea and make a decision.

Apache Junction Aggravated DUI FAQs

Q: Can an Aggravated DUI Charge Be Reduced in Apache Junction?

A: Yes, in some cases, an aggravated DUI can be reduced in Apache Junction. It depends on the details and circumstances of your case. If somebody was injured or killed, it may be difficult to get the aggravated DUI charges reduced. In other cases, the prosecution may be willing to offer a plea deal if you agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge. The prosecution will need to prove the existence of those aggravating factors for their case to stand.

Q: Can I Avoid Jail Time for a First Offense DUI in Apache Junction?

A: No, you cannot usually avoid jail time for a first-offense DUI in Apache Junction. Arizona lawmakers take DUI charges very seriously, and jail time is often mandatory, even for first-time offenders. Often, first-time offenders must spend at least 10 days in jail. State law does allow a reduction in jail time if the court deems it appropriate. It depends on your case and whether your lawyer can make a compelling argument for why you deserve a reduction in jail time.

Q: What Are the Penalties for an Aggravated DUI in Apache Junction?

A: The penalties for an aggravated DUI in Apache Junction depend largely on whether this is your first offense. A first-offense aggravated DUI could see you spend four months in prison, pay a fine over $4,600, and have your license revoked for three years. A second offense could land you a possible prison sentence of over seven years and a fine of $6,600. Subsequent offenses could see you spend 15 years in prison.

Q: How Much Does a DUI Cost in Arizona?

A: There’s no telling how much a DUI might cost in Apache Junction. Depending on the severity of your situation, the potential fees could add up to thousands of dollars. This includes mandatory fines, jail fees, alcohol treatment programs you may have to pay for, and paying for an ignition interlock device you may have to maintain in your vehicle for some time. Lawyer fees may be an entirely different cost you will need to work out with your attorney.

Reach Out to an Aggravated DUI Lawyer Today

Facing aggravated DUI charges isn’t an easy situation to be in. The consequences of these charges could derail your life and cause untold damage to your personal relationships. An experienced Apache Junction aggravated DUI lawyer can help you make sense of the charges against you and help provide you with a defense strategy you can employ.

The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group understands the kind of legal assistance you need for your case. We can help you develop your strategy, gather evidence that supports you, and make sure you aren’t taken advantage of by law enforcement. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member today.

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