Providing DUI Representation Throughout Arizona
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.
If you have been charged with DUI (driving under the influence, also known as DWI or drunk driving) in Arizona, you need Michael E. Ziton, an experienced DUI criminal defense attorney on your side. Mr. Ziton can explain your rights and help you avoid the harshest penalties associated with a drunk driving or DUI conviction.
First DUI Offense
In recent years, fines and jail time have increased for people convicted of DUI. Even being charged with a first time DUI can result in a suspension or restriction of your driving privilege. If you are arrested and have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or more, your driving privileges are at risk. If you refuse to take a BAC test, your license will be suspended for twelve months, subject to a civil motor vehicle hearing. All of this occurs prior to a DUI conviction.
The consequences an Arizona DUI conviction in which your blood alcohol concentration is .08 to .149 include:
- Up to six months in jail – with minimum 10 days in jail (9 days are eligible to be suspended by court order) – Must serve 1 day
- A fine up to $2,500, plus surcharges
- Court ordered substance abuse counseling
- Community Service
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device for one year
- 90-Day License Suspension (Possible Restricted License after 30 days)
- Traffic Survival School
Second DUI Offense
In recent years, the Arizona Legislature enhanced the mandatory DUI punishment by extending the time prosecutors could allege a prior DUI. Now, if you receive a second DUI within 84 months of your first DUI, the Court's sentencing power dramatically increased against you. If you are convicted of a second DUI (with a provable prior) and your blood alcohol concentration is .08 to .149, the consequences include:
Up to six months in jail – with minimum 90 days in jail (60 days are eligible to be suspended by court order) – Must serve 30 days Jail
- A fine up to $2,500, plus abatement and surcharges
- Court ordered substance abuse counseling
- Community Service
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device
- License Revocation
- Traffic Survival School
Extreme DUI Offense
A conviction for Extreme DUI, even first time, in which your blood alcohol concentration is .150 to .199, will include the following consequences:
- Up to six months in jail – with minimum 30 days in jail
- Second Extreme DUI Offense carries a minimum 120 days in jail
- A fine up to $2,500, plus abatement and surcharges
- Court ordered substance abuse counseling
- Community Service
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device
- License Suspension / Revocation
- Traffic Survival School
Super-Extreme DUI Offense
If you are convicted of a Super-Extreme DUI, even first time, and your blood alcohol concentration is .20 or above, the consequences include:
- Up to six months in jail – with minimum 45 days in jail
- Second Super-Extreme DUI Offense carries the max 180 days in jail
- A fine up to $2,500, plus abatement and surcharges
- Court ordered substance abuse counseling
- Community Service
- Mandatory Ignition Interlock Device
- License Suspension / Revocation
- Traffic Survival School
Felony DUI Offense
In the state of Arizona, the Arizona Legislature has carved out a number of unique ways a simple misdemeanor .08 alcohol concentration DUI, even first offense, can actually be converted into a Felony DUI allegation with the threat of prison time. Under the following conditions, a DUI investigation can turn into a felony arrest:
- Third DUI within an 84 month time period
- First or Second DUI arrest while driving on a suspended license (even for not paying a photo radar speeding ticket in some instances)
- First or Second DUI arrest while driving with a child in the vehicle.
DUI with Serious Injury or Death: Aggravated Assault / Vehicular Manslaughter / Negligent Homicide
"If you have been charged with aggravated assault, vehicular manslaughter, or negligent homicide in Arizona, don't give up. There is hope. As a prosecutor, I worked with the police and understand how they conduct investigations. I also know how prosecutors prepare cases. They make mistakes. You need an experienced and aggressive lawyer to begin customizing a defense strategy right away. Aggravated crimes are complex and you need the guidance of a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case." — Phoenix criminal defense attorney Michael E. Ziton
Dangerous criminal offenses carry mandatory prison sentences with various ranges. The Law Offices of Michael E. Ziton works hard to keep you from prison. If you are charged with a dangerous offense including Aggravated Assault, Vehicular Manslaughter, or Negligent Homicide, you need experience on your side.
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 dangerous felony or misdemeanor.
For more information, visit our Drunk Driving DUI Information Center.
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