An aggravated driving under the influence (DUI) charge can cause significant turmoil in your life. It can impact your employment opportunities, your ability to find housing options, your personal relationships, and some of your freedoms, including your right to vote. You will have a felony charge on your record for life. If you are ever charged with an aggravated DUI, you should reach out to a Glendale aggravated DUI lawyer who can help.
Make no mistake about it. An aggravated DUI charge is bad news for your life. It is vital that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself if you ever find yourself facing such a charge. Hiring an experienced DUI lawyer in Glendale can help you guarantee that a legal professional is handling your case with care.
Under Arizona state law, a DUI evolves into an aggravated DUI if certain criteria are met that warrant a higher degree of penalty for the crime in question. It makes the situation considerably more serious, and the penalties can include significant prison time, hefty fines, or both. If aggravating factors are present in your case, there is a good chance the prosecution will amend the charges to reflect those factors.
These aggravating factors include:
The process of being arrested for a suspected aggravated DUI is detailed but important to fully understand. It begins with an arrest after being pulled over. If you are found to have a high blood alcohol content, you will likely be arrested.
The arresting officer will read you your Miranda rights and arrest you. Never forget that you can exercise your constitutional rights whenever you want. This includes your right to remain silent and your right to retain legal counsel. You don’t have to respond to the police.
The process will likely look something like this:
A: There is no telling how much a DUI lawyer may cost in Arizona. Every DUI case is different, with each case having its own unique set of details and circumstances. Due to this, the amount a lawyer may charge you will depend on the case itself. In addition, your lawyer’s fees may take into account their availability, caseload, education, experience, and resources. You and your lawyer will agree on a total fee before signing any paperwork.
A: Yes, you should absolutely hire a lawyer for a DUI in Glendale. It is recommended that you retain legal counsel any time you are dealing with a legal issue. While you are well within your legal rights to handle your case on your own and not hire a lawyer, you may not get the result you are hoping for. Having someone on your side who understands the complexities of the law can only help you in the long run.
A: The main difference between an extreme DUI and an aggravated DUI is the total BAC present in your breathalyzer test at the time of arrest. If your BAC is at least 0.15%, you will automatically be charged with an extreme DUI. A DUI becomes an aggravated DUI when certain aggravating factors are present at the arrest, including a minor in the car or driving without a license.
A: The minimum sentence for an aggravated DUI in Glendale is four months in prison. In addition to significant prison time, you will likely face a revocation of your driver’s license for at least a year and a fine of over $4,000. Depending on whether or not this is your first offense, you could be looking at additional penalties such as mandatory probation, substance abuse treatment courses, and an ignition interlock device in your car.
It can feel terrifying to face a charge for an aggravated DUI. You may be feeling angry, isolated, and scared for the future. An experienced aggravated DUI lawyer in Glendale can help you focus your case and make sure everything is handled correctly. Hiring the right lawyer may be the most important decision you make during your case.
The legal team at Grand Canyon Law Group knows the kind of legal help you will need throughout this trying time. We can help you build up your case, gather evidence that supports you, and represent your interests throughout the case. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.