If you face a DUI charge in Arizona, you are accused of a serious crime. Whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony, you face the potential loss of license, incarceration, heavy fines and a permanent (yes, permanent) criminal record. Your first priority must be to find an Attorney to take your case. The earlier you start, the less pressure you will be under to make a decision. If you can't afford a private attorney the State will provide a public defender or assigned counsel for you.

FIND THE BEST LAWYER YOU CAN:The best way to find the most qualified attorney for your case is to first educate yourself about Arizona DUI law and process. The more you know, the better poised you will be to evaluate the attorneys you interview. Talk with clerks of the court, with judges and with other people who regularly see defense attorneys in action and ask them who they would retain if they were faced with the same charge.

PUT IT IN WRITING: While the event is still fresh in your mind, write down everything you remember. This will help both you and your attorney sort through the case. If your case goes to trial, it might be up to year or even longer, so the details may fade.

GATHER YOUR WITNESSES: If you have civilian witnesses make sure you have their contact information. These can be people who were in the vehicle with you, people who saw you drinking (or who served you), or passers-by who witnesses the field tests. If they are willing to make a written statement, have them put their memory of the events down on paper.

GET YOUR VEHICLE CHECKED: If you suspect that a mechanical defect with your vehicle caused the "bad driving" that caused the officer to stop you, get it checked out by a qualified mechanic immediately. If there are problems, gets them documented before they are fixed.

GET YOURSELF CHECKED OUT: If you suffer from any medical condition that may have interfered with your ability to complete the field tests, or which may have misled the officer into believing that you were drunk, get the condition checked and documented by a physician immediately. This holds true if you had a cold. An undocumented medical condition will not help you nearly as much as one that is supported by a signature followed by "M.D."