Mesa DUI Attorney
Defending Against DUI Charges in Arizona
Facing a DUI charge in Mesa, AZ? You are not alone. A DUI conviction can result in jail time, fines, license suspension, and a criminal record. If you have been arrested for DUI, it is crucial to seek legal representation from experienced criminal defense attorneys in Mesa. At MayesTelles PLLC, our team of attorneys is dedicated to protecting your rights and fighting for the best possible outcome.
Contact MayesTelles PLLC for a free consultation. Our Mesa DUI attorneys are ready to fight for you!
Understanding DUI Laws in Arizona
Arizona's DUI laws are strict and carry serious consequences. Arizona law makes it illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, regardless of your blood alcohol concentration. This includes prescription medications that may affect your ability to drive safely.
BAC Limits
- Regular Driver: 0.08% BAC or higher
- Commercial Driver: 0.04% BAC or higher
- Under 21: Zero tolerance policy (any detectable amount of alcohol)
DUI Penalties
- First Offense:
- Jail Time: Minimum of 10 days.
- Fines: Minimum of $1,250.
- License Suspension: Up to 90 days.
- Ignition Interlock Device: Mandatory installation.
- Alcohol Education and Treatment: Required participation.
- Community Service: May be ordered.
- Second Offense:
- Minimum 90 days jail
- Minimum $3,000 fine
- License revocation for 12 months
- Other penalties similar to a first offense
Important Considerations
- Refusal to Take a Breathalyzer Test: Can result in an automatic license suspension.
- Field Sobriety Tests: Law enforcement officers may administer these tests to assess impairment.
- Implied Consent Laws: By driving in Arizona, you consent to chemical testing if suspected of DUI.
Complexities and Legal Representation
DUI cases can be complex due to factors like field sobriety tests, breathalyzer results, and blood tests. Legal representation is crucial to:
- Challenge evidence: Question the accuracy of tests and procedures
- Negotiate plea deals: Potentially reduce charges or penalties
- Represent you in court: Advocate for your rights and best interests
When to Hire Our DUI Lawyer
A DUI charge in Mesa, Arizona, can have severe legal and personal consequences. While it may be tempting to handle a first-time offense alone, consulting with a DUI lawyer is highly recommended in various scenarios:
- First-Time DUI Offenses: Even a first-time DUI can lead to significant penalties.
- Repeat DUI Offenses: Subsequent DUI offenses in Arizona are treated with increased severity.
- DUI with Aggravating Factors: DUI charges involving accidents, injuries, or property damage are considered more serious.
- Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Holders: CDL holders face unique challenges with DUI charges.
Additionally, we can:
- Investigate your case: Scrutinize evidence, identify weaknesses, and gather supporting evidence.
- Challenge the arrest: Question the legality of the arrest and evidence collection.
- Negotiate plea deals: Work with prosecutors to reduce charges or penalties.
- Represent you in court: Advocate for your rights and challenge the prosecution's case.
- Appeal a conviction: If needed, appeal a wrongful conviction.
What are the Penalties for a DUI in Arizona?
A DUI conviction can have long-lasting effects, including:
- Criminal Record: A permanent mark on your record.
- Increased Insurance Premiums: Higher costs for auto insurance.
- Employment Opportunities: Difficulty finding jobs, especially in certain industries.
- Housing Challenges: Potential issues with rental applications.
- Personal Relationships: Strain on family and social connections.
By hiring our Mesa DUI lawyers, you may increase your chances of a favorable outcome and reduce the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Why you need legal representation may include:
- Reduced penalties: A skilled DUI lawyer can often negotiate for reduced penalties, such as fines, community service, or probation.
- Potential case dismissal: In some cases, a lawyer may be able to get the charges dismissed if there are significant legal issues with the arrest or evidence.
- Protecting your rights: A lawyer will ensure that your constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process.
- Navigating the complex legal system: A DUI lawyer can help you understand the legal process and avoid making mistakes that could harm your case.
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
When facing a DUI charge, you need a legal team that's not just experienced, but also aggressive and caring. At MayesTelles PLLC, we offer:
- Proven Expertise: Our attorneys, including J. Blake Mayes and David Telles, are recognized as top trial lawyers in Arizona. Their deep understanding of criminal law and extensive courtroom experience give you a significant advantage.
- A Prosecutor's Perspective: Many of our attorneys have served as prosecutors, providing us with invaluable insights into the prosecution's tactics and strategies. We know how to anticipate their moves and build a strong defense.
- Personalized Attention: We're committed to providing personalized attention to every client. Our 24/7 availability ensures that you're never alone, and our affordable payment plans make quality legal representation accessible.
- A Proven Track Record: With thousands of cases successfully handled, we have a proven track record of achieving favorable outcomes for our clients.
The DUI Court Process
Understanding the local court process is key if you are facing DUI charges in Mesa. Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, especially if this is your first experience with the Mesa Municipal Court or Maricopa County Justice Courts. Knowing the steps that follow an arrest can help you feel more prepared and confident as your case moves forward.
After a DUI arrest in Mesa, you may be booked and released with a court date or held if the charges are more serious. Your first appearance is usually an arraignment, where you will be advised of the charges and able to enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the case proceeds to pretrial conferences and possible motion hearings, where your DUI defense attorney in Mesa may challenge evidence or negotiate with the prosecution. Trials are typically held in the Mesa Municipal Court, and familiarity with judges and court staff can affect how your case is handled.
- Arraignment: Formal reading of charges and plea entry.
- Pretrial conferences: Meetings between defense, prosecution, and sometimes the judge to resolve the case without trial.
- Motions and hearings: Your attorney may challenge the validity of tests or procedures.
- Trial: If no resolution is reached, your case proceeds to trial in a local court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If I Refuse a Breathalyzer or Blood Test?
If you refuse a breathalyzer or blood test, Arizona’s implied consent law allows the Department of Transportation to suspend your license even before your DUI case is resolved. You may face additional administrative penalties, and police may obtain a warrant to collect a blood sample regardless of your consent.
Will My DUI Case Be Heard in the Mesa Municipal Court?
Most misdemeanor DUI cases that occur in Mesa are handled by the Mesa Municipal Court. Felonies or DUI cases involving accidents with injuries may be moved to the Maricopa County Superior Court. The location depends on the details of your arrest and the charges filed.
How Long Does a DUI Stay on My Record in Arizona?
In Arizona, DUI convictions remain on your criminal record indefinitely. Although some offenses may be eligible for set aside after certain requirements are met, a DUI conviction can affect insurance rates, employment, and other opportunities over the long term.
Do Out-of-State Residents Arrested for DUI Face Unique Challenges?
Yes, if you live outside Arizona, you may need to coordinate with your home state’s Department of Motor Vehicles in addition to Arizona courts. Mesa DUI lawyers familiar with handling cross-state legal matters can help you comply with all requirements and minimize the impact in Arizona and your home state.
Contact Our DUI Attorney in Mesa Today
Don't let a DUI charge jeopardize your future. A DUI charge can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and license suspension. Protect your rights and your future by choosing a law firm with a proven track record of success. Our DUI attorneys in Mesa, AZ, will provide you with personalized legal advice and aggressive representation. We'll work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize the impact of a DUI charge on your life.
Contact MayesTelles PLLC today for a free consultation with our Mesa DUI lawyer.
We've Won Thousands of Cases
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Charges Reduced to Reckless Driving
Client R.C. was stopped by Mesa Police for a civil traffic violation and later charged with DUI, Extreme DUI, and Super Extreme DUI in a justice court. During the course of their representation, MayesTelles attorneys discovered important inconsistencies in the police reports. When we presented these issues to the State, the prosecutor’s office agreed to drop all DUI charges.
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Fatal Commercial Vehicle Accident
MayesTelles Client A.F. and her husband tragically lost their unborn child as a result of the negligence of an individual operating a commercial vehicle in Yuma, Arizona. After substantial investigation including accident reconstruction and filing a lawsuit, the insurance company paid out the policy limits of $1,000,000.00.
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4 Counts of Aggravated DUI Dismissed
Client M.W. was charged with 4 counts of Aggravated DUI in the Maricopa County Superior Court in July 2016 for allegedly riding a motorized bicycle under the influence. The attorneys at MayesTelles demanded that the State include certain materials in their presentation to the grand jury, resulting in the grand jury refusing to indict and the case being dismissed.
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Client Charged with DUI
Client, GS, charged with DUI - sentence was reduced to reckless driving.
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Client Facing Assault Felony
M.L. was charged with 1 count of Aggravated Assault, a class 3 dangerous felony. She plead guilty to Aggravated Assault, a class 6 undesignated felony, with a stipulation to 3 months of initial jail. She received credit for 32 days and the rest of the jail time was deferred. She was placed on 3 years of supervised probation. She has the opportunity to designate the offense a misdemeanor after successfully completing probation. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with DUI
Our client, A.R, was charged with 1 count of DUI and 1 count of Failure to Control Speed to Avoid a Collision. During extensive pre-trial investigation, it was discovered that the police made many errors in how they handled the case. We were able to get the client's charges reduced to reckless driving. Location: Glendale City Court
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Client Charged with Four Felony Counts
Our client, Ms. D., was charged with two counts of forgery - a class 4 Felony as well as theft - a class 2 Felony and also fraudulent schemes and artifices - a class 2 Felony. We were able to get her conviction reduced to a class 6 undesignated felony with the opportunity to reduce further to a misdemeanor. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Trespass & Assault
Our client, T.C., was charged in Maricopa County Superior Court on July 8, 2015 with 1 count of Criminal Trespass, a class 6 felony, and 1 count Assault, a class 2 Misdemeanor. On September 9, 2015, after an 8-day jury trial, our client was found not guilty on both charges. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Shoplifting
Our client, Ms. H., was charged with shoplifting - a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get her conviction set aside. Location: Phoenix Municipal Court
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Client Faced 5 Felony Sex Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with five counts of felony sex offenses, including two counts of Sex Conduct with a Minor and three counts of Molestation of a Child. We were able to get the case dismissed upon a successful Motion to Dismiss. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
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Client Charged with Disorderly Conduct
Our client, K.F., was charged with Disorderly Conduct, a class 1 misdemeanor. We were able to get this client's case dismissed. Location: Tempe Municipal Court
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Client Facing Multiple Criminal Charges
Our client, L.S., was charged on October 20, 2014 in Mesa for an assault, disorderly conduct, and criminal damage. MayesTelles PLLC was able to get those charges dismissed.
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Client Facing Multiple Domestic Violence Offenses
Our client, Ms. C., was facing charges of assault / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), disorderly conduct / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor), and criminal damage / domestic violence (class 1 misdemeanor). We were able to get our client's case dismissed. Location: Mesa Municipal Court
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Charged with Assault & Failure to Appear
Our client, L.S., was charged in Phoenix on December 27, 2014 for assault and failure to appear. After completing diversion, our client's case was dismissed.
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Multiple Felony Theft Offenses
Our client, Mr. C., was charged with Theft of Means of Transportation (Class 3 Felony) and Trafficking in Stolen Property (Class 3 Felony). Both class 3 felonies have a possible sentencing range of 2 - 8.75 years in prison. We were able to get our client's charge reduced to a Class 1 Misdemeanor with no jail time. Location: Maricopa County Superior Court
Why Choose MayesTelles PLLC?
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Nearly 200 Years of Combined Experience
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Thousands of Cases Successfully Handled
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Voted Top 100 Trial Lawyers
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Available to Our Clients 24/7
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Former Prosecutors & Law Enforcement
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AV Preeminent Rated Attorneys