Trusted DUI Defense Attorney: The Knowledge and Skill You Need to Win
For nearly 20 years, Michael E. Ziton has proven to be one of the leading and distinguished DUI criminal trial attorneys in the state. As a former DUI prosecutor, Michael E. Ziton has gained the knowledge and experience necessary to fight against a DUI allegation whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor.
Our Arizona criminal defense firm travels across the state routinely handling DUI cases in Maricopa County, Yavapai County, Coconino County, Yuma County, Mohave County, Navajo County, Pima County, and the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Peoria, Chandler, Prescott, Tucson, Wellton, Camp Verde, Seligman, Lake Havasu City and Flagstaff. We know the system.
Overview of DUI Defense
Most Americans depend on the ability to drive. We need to be able to get to work, to take our children to school or to do the hundred little things each week that are necessary to take care of ourselves and our families. A drunk driving conviction can result in the loss of your drivers' license and the end of your normal life for a very long time. If you are facing drunk driving charges, Michael E. Ziton can fight for you and help protect your interests or those of your family and loved ones.
At the Law Offices of Michael E. Ziton, our primary focus in most of our DUI cases is to challenge the traffic stop. Even if you are legally intoxicated, you have a Fourth Amendment right that prevents unreasonable search and seizure by the police. The arresting officer must have cause to stop your vehicle. If we can successfully challenge that cause, we can have evidence excluded. Without evidence, there may be no case against you.
If you have been accused of drunk driving, it is in your best interest to discuss your options and rights as soon as possible with an attorney who has experience handling drunk driving cases. If you are accused, exercise your right to remain silent and contact an experienced DUI defense lawyer like Michael E. Ziton.
The Prosecutor's Role in a Drunk Driving Case
Prosecutors have the power to decide whether or not to pursue a drunk driving case. Having a former prosecutor, skilled negotiator and proven trial criminal defense lawyer like Michael E. Ziton on your side can be a distinct advantage, especially when it comes to working with the prosecution to avoid jail and minimize fines and license suspension.
Challenging the Proof Of Intoxication
Tests that measure blood alcohol content (BAC), such as Breathalyzer tests and blood tests, are often the key evidence against you. Any test that shows a BAC over 0.08 is generally presumed to be proof of intoxication.
It is, however, entirely possible to challenge the methodology and results of BAC tests. There are known accuracy and calibration problems with popular field-model breath tests. Police officers administrating these test may not have proper training. Even a hospital blood test can be ruled invalid due to conflicts between police evidentiary procedure and common hospital practices.
Police also gather important evidence of intoxication by administering NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) standardized field sobriety tests (FSTs) at the scenes of traffic stops. These tests are notoriously unreliable in predicting actual blood alcohol content. They rely almost entirely on the officer's interpretation, and can be successfully challenged in court.
Other evidence used by prosecutors may include statements by the driver, witness statements and recorded observation by the arresting officer. In some cases, police car dashboard cameras and police station booking video may be used. Understanding how the prosecution uses evidence and the potential weaknesses of that evidence is often the key to securing a dismissal of charges or acquittal in DUI cases.
What if You Were Accused of DUI, But You Were Not Driving?
In order to be guilty of drunk driving, the prosecution must show that you were exercising the necessary degree of control over the vehicle. Simply sitting behind the wheel or sleeping in the driver's seat of a parked car may be enough for a police officer to arrest you, but it may not be enough to convict you of DUI. These are often complex situations that require a thorough understanding of the scenario and the law.
Contact the Law Offices of Michael E. Ziton & Associates
If you are facing drunk driving charges, Michael E. Ziton can fight for you and help protect your interests or those of your family and loved ones.
For more information, visit our Drunk Driving DUI Information Center.
Contact Michael E. Ziton • Free Initial Consultation • Call 602.234.9290 Today
