Arizona DUI Rights: Ignorance Hurts
I believe that the number one reason people are either convicted of DUI or simply plead guilty is that they don't know their rights. Most DUI convictions could be avoided if, from the very start, citizens knew how to act towards the officers, and what to do in court. Below is a list of your rights under Arizona DUI Law. You may also click on the links to learn more about each Arizona DUI right.
You have the right to...
- Remain silent [MORE]
- Refuse field sobriety testing [MORE]
- Speak with an attorney [MORE]
- Hire competent and dedicated DUI defense counsel, and have every aspect of the State's case against you examined for errors
- An independent test for body alcohol content
- Plead not guilty [MORE]
- Be presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
- Have an attorney represent you in court [MORE]
- Appeal legal issues raised at trial
- Have witnesses testify on your behalf at hearing or trial
- A DUI trial by jury [MORE]
- Inspect and examine all evidence the State seeks to use against you
- Interview law enforcement witnesses prior to trial, and to compel their deposition if they are not cooperative
- Challenge probable cause in your case
- Take the stand and explain your side of the story
- A stay of punishment while your case is up on appeal (misdimeaner cases)
- Be treated with dignity at the police station, at your lawyer's office, and in Court [MORE]
- Work release and may be entitled to electric home detention in most misdimeaner convictions
- A work permit even if your license is suspended in many misdimeaner cases
- A complete explanation of every detail of your case, and the right to be fully and competently informed prior to making any dispositive decisions in your case