Award Winning Phoenix DUI Lawyer

Attorney Steven Scharboneau is an experienced Phoenix DUI lawyer you can count on to prioritize your best interests when facing criminal charges. It is important to understand both your options and your rights when the stakes are this high. 

This is why Steven offers a free consultation to discuss your case with 24/7 availability. Understanding the jurisdiction you are in, the charges against you, and what next steps you should take is the first step to dealing with criminal charges. Do not hesitate to contact Steven George Law to request a confidential consultation and discuss which defense strategies may be most suitable based on the individual circumstances of your case.

Steps to Take After a DUI Arrest in Phoenix

A DUI arrest can be a stressful and confusing experience, but the steps you take immediately after can greatly impact the outcome of your case. While it is important to cooperate with law enforcement, you should also focus on protecting your rights and gathering information to build a strong defense. 

Documenting the details of your arrest is a critical step in building your defense. This includes noting the events leading up to your arrest, interactions with law enforcement, and any tests or procedures performed, such as field sobriety or breathalyzer tests. 

Obtaining a copy of the police report will also provide important insights into the evidence against you and help your lawyer identify potential errors or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. It is important to remember that depending on the agency, getting a police report through a public records request can take several months, and even into a year. Once the case is charged, it is on the prosecutor to get you the reports within a certain time frame governed by the Arizona Rules of Criminal PRocedure. This is usually required at or before the fist pre-trial conference. It is important to get the information from the prosecutor–even if you have a report already–because the prosecutor is required to give you everything, and they may have something that you didn’t get from your public record’s request. 

Understanding Phoenix DUI Charges

Driving under the influence (DUI) in Phoenix refers to driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances as described under ARS § 28-1381. Under the law, you may be considered legally impaired if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher for standard drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, or any detectable amount for drivers under 21. Arizona also enforces extreme DUI laws for BAC levels of 0.15% or higher, which carry even harsher penalties. However, police may say that you are impaired even if your BAC is below 0.08%. They can assert this depending on signs or symptoms of impairment during the investigation and the performance on the field sobriety tests. This is why many people refer t oPhoenix as having a “zero tolerance” for DUI. There are many ways to fight against this, and it is not zero tolerance as far as alcohol consumption goes. 

Phoenix DUI Penalties: What to Expect

DUI convictions in Phoenix come with serious penalties, which vary depending on factors such as prior offenses and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. For a first-time DUI, penalties may include minimum fines of $1,500, mandatory alcohol education classes, a license suspension of at least 90 days, and a minimum of 10 days in jail. Second-time offenders face harsher consequences, such as longer jail sentences, steeper fines, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device.

Enhanced penalties apply in cases involving extreme DUI (BAC of 0.15% or higher), accidents causing injury, or the presence of a minor in the vehicle. For instance, an extreme DUI conviction can result in a minimum of 30 days in jail and higher fines. Beyond the courtroom, individuals convicted of DUI often face increased car insurance premiums, difficulty securing certain jobs, and the stigma of a criminal record, which can affect their personal and professional lives.

DUI Defenses in Phoenix

Challenging DUI charges requires a strategic approach tailored to the unique facts of your case. Attorneys often examine procedural errors, insufficient evidence, and potential violations of constitutional rights to build a strong defense. By identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, your Phoenix DUI attorney can work to reduce charges, negotiate alternative outcomes, or have the case dismissed entirely.

Effective DUI defenses depend on the specifics of your arrest, such as how evidence was collected and whether proper procedures were followed. Your attorney will thoroughly review the traffic stop, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of breathalyzer equipment to uncover potential flaws. Some of the most common types of DUI defense strategies include:

• Questioning the accuracy of BAC testing equipment – Breathalyzer machines must be properly calibrated and maintained, and any errors could lead to inaccurate results.
• Demonstrating that the traffic stop was conducted without probable cause – If the stop was not justified, evidence collected during the stop may be inadmissible.
• Highlighting medical conditions or substances that may have influenced BAC readings – Certain medical issues or over-the-counter medications can produce false positives on breathalyzer or blood tests.

What to Expect When Moving Through the Arizona Criminal Justice System

The City of Phoenix is the fifth largest city in the United States, covering just under 518 square miles. The city spans from the far end of the 202 Highway all the way up to Anthem on the East side of the I-17 highway. Phoenix is largely patrolled by the Phoenix Police Department but is also patrolled by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Where Your Case Will Be Heard

If you are up against a Phoenix DUI charge, domestic violence charge, or other criminal charge, chances are that you will be summoned to appear at the Phoenix Municipal Court. The Phoenix Municipal Court is located in the heart of Phoenix at 300 West Jefferson Street in downtown Phoenix. This is where Phoenix’s misdemeanor charges are adjudicated. If you are facing felony charges in Phoenix, you will be summoned to the Maricopa County Superior Court just down the street.

Sometimes, Phoenix criminal charges are adjudicated in the Maricopa County Justice Courts. Given how large Phoenix is, there are many of the justice courts within the city limits. Your case might be held at a justice court depending on where the alleged crime occurred. For example, if a Phoenix DUI took place on a highway you may be facing charges in one of the justice courts. Near the downtown area, there is the Downtown Justice Court, the West McDowell Justice Court, and the Encanto Justice Court. 

These courts are located at the Downtown Justice Center at 620 West Jackson Street. Some of the other justice courts that commonly hear Phoenix DUI, domestic violence, and other criminal charges are the Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court, Dreamy Draw Justice Court, Moon Valley Justice Court, North Valley Justice Court, and the Desert Ridge Justice Court.

Take Control of Your Phoenix DUI Case Today

Facing DUI charges in Phoenix can feel overwhelming, but securing experienced legal representation is the first step toward protecting your future. With the right defense strategy, you can challenge the evidence, reduce penalties, and work toward the best possible outcome. Do not wait—schedule a free consultation with Steven Scharboneau today to discuss your case and start building your defense.

Our firm is available 24/7 to provide the guidance and support you need during this challenging time. We are committed to fighting for your rights and helping you move forward with confidence. Take control of your case now and let us stand by your side every step of the way. Call or text (623) 304-1465, or fill out our quick contact form for a free consultation with Steven today.