The Help You Need
Many people accused of DUI in Arizona never hire an attorney and fail to discover problems with the case that could have led to dismissal or reduction.
Why Choose us?
We are a small and friendly law firm that focuses on quality, not quantity. We don't spend a lot of money advertising, we don't seek publicity, and we don't shout the loudest. What we do is provide each client with personal attention and guidance, and a strategic, effective DUI defense geared to get you the best possible result.
Jaffe Law Firm
9089 E. Bahia Dr., Ste. 101
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Office: 480-951-3200
Fax: 480-951-3208
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©1999 - 2007 Daniel M. Jaffe
You've just been arrested for a DUI in Arizona.
Either you made a mistake or you are being wrongfully accused. Either way, you need to take action and get information now to protect your rights and your future.
Although the scope and complexity of DUI law in Arizona may seem overwhelming, my advice is to take a deep breath and try to digest as much information as you can before you choose an attorney (or make a decision not to hire an attorney). There is an incredible amount of information on the internet about your situation. The problem is that much of it is self-serving, inaccurate and misleading. Unless you have court right away, you are best off to WAIT at least 24 hours before hiring legal representation. You are also well advised to interview several attorneys before deciding on your representative.
It is important early on to document as much information as you can while it is fresh in your mind. The following two forms should be helpful in getting you thinking in the right direction. Feel free to download them and fill them out. They will help me (and any other attorney you interview) assess your case. (You will need a .pdf reader to view them).
- DUI Client Intake Form
- DUI Client Medical Form
If you are serious about helping yourself, take the time to fill out these forms as soon as possible. Once you have completed them you can fax them to me at 480-951-3208, fill out a consultation request form, or call us at 480-951-3200 to set up our meeting.
WHAT ARE YOU BEING CHARGED WITH, ANYWAYS?
Now you are looking at your citation, trying to figure what the heck is going on. Why are they charging you with two or more counts of DUI when you were only arrested once?
Most DUI charges will contain a citation to ARS 28-1381. Usually they will contain two. Under this law, there are two common DUI charges: 1) driving while impaired to the slightest degree, and 2) driving with an alcohol content of 0.080 or higher within 2 hours of driving. Also included are the charges of driving a commercial vehicle in Arizona with a prohibited BAC content, and driving with a prohibited drug or its metabolite in your system.
In addition, you may note an extreme DUI charge referenced to ARS 28-1382. This is charged when your alcohol content is a 0.150 or higher within 2 hours of driving. Don't panic, just because it is an extreme DUI doesn't mean it is a felony under most circumstances.
Arizona DUI law is a complex web of Judge-made case-law, legislative made Statutes and Administrative Code. The law encompasses decisions both in Arizona Courts, and in other courts on a national level up to the Supreme Court of the United States. Like all law, the Arizona DUI law is only good until it is amended by legislative act, or interpreted by Judges in a reported case.
Many people think Arizona DUI law is cut and dry. This couldn't be further from reality. DUI law is fluid and living, and the next challenge to the validity of any part of the law, or the "science" that forms the backbone of most DUI evidence is always just around the corner. Looked at from the right angle, your case probably isn't as bad as it seems.
A normal, first offense Arizona DUI arrest is a misdemeanor. However, there are certain factors that can make even a first offense a Felony. These circumstances include:
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