When you choose Steven George Law for your Wickenburg DUI defense, you can expect:
- Immediate Action: We take swift steps to protect your driving privileges, including requesting administrative hearings to prevent license suspension.
- Comprehensive Case Review: We meticulously analyze every piece of evidence, from field sobriety tests to blood alcohol lab results, to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
- Aggressive Advocacy: Whether negotiating charge reductions, pursuing a case dismissal, or taking your case to trial, we fight tirelessly to safeguard your future.
- Customized Defense Strategy: No two DUI cases are the same. We develop a tailored approach designed to address the specifics of your situation, whether that means pursuing a favorable plea deal or going to trial.
We dedicate the time, attention, and resources necessary to fully understand your case and provide a defense strategy designed to achieve the best outcome. Steven Scharboneau has earned respect in Arizona’s legal community for his dedication, skill, and results-driven representation in DUI cases.
With Arizona prosecutors working diligently to secure convictions, you need a defense attorney with proven experience and a relentless drive to protect your rights. Steven George Law offers more than just legal representation; we offer a dedicated partnership to help you regain control of your life and your future.
This is why Steven provides a complimentary consultation and is available around the clock to discuss your DUI case. Knowing the specifics of your jurisdiction, the charges you face, and the next steps to take is essential in handling criminal charges effectively. Feel free to reach out to Steven George Law to schedule a private consultation and explore defense strategies tailored to your unique situation.
Call or text us 24/7 at 480-363-0090 for a free consultation.
Steps to Follow After a DUI Arrest in Wickenburg
Experiencing a DUI arrest can be alarming and disconcerting, but the actions you take right afterward can significantly influence the outcome of your case. While it’s important to cooperate with law enforcement, it’s equally crucial to protect your rights and collect information to construct a strong defense.
Begin by documenting the circumstances surrounding your arrest, including the incidents leading up to it, your interactions with law enforcement, and any tests or procedures conducted (like field sobriety or breath tests).
Securing a copy of the police report will provide important insights into the evidence against you, allowing your attorney to pinpoint possible errors or weaknesses in the case. Be aware that retrieving a police report through a public records request may take several months, and after charges are filed, the prosecutor is obligated to supply the reports within a specific timeframe, generally before the initial pre-trial meeting.
Understanding Wickenburg DUI Charges
In Wickenburg, driving under the influence (DUI) is defined as operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other substances, as outlined in ARS § 28-1381. You may be considered legally impaired if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or greater for standard drivers, 0.04% for commercial drivers, or any measurable amount for drivers under 21 years of age. Arizona also imposes strict penalties for extreme DUI offenses, which apply to BAC levels of 0.15% or higher. Police may claim impairment even if your BAC is below 0.08% based on observable signs of impairment.
What Are the Penalties for a DUI Conviction in Wickenburg?
In Wickenburg, most DUIs, except for Aggravated DUIs, are classified as class one misdemeanors. You can find more about the maximum penalties for a class one misdemeanor in Arizona here. Understanding the penalties for a DUI can be simplified by recognizing four main categories based on blood alcohol content (BAC):
- Driving while impaired to the slightest degree
- Driving with drugs or drug metabolites in your system
- Driving with a BAC of over .08
- Driving with a BAC of .15 or higher
- Driving with a BAC of .20 or higher
Impaired to the Slightest Degree / Driving with a BAC of .08 or Higher (Regular DUI)
These two DUI charges are grouped together because they share the same penalties. Driving while impaired to the slightest degree means being in physical control of a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol, without the requirement of a specific BAC reading for prosecution. This is often mistakenly referred to as a “zero tolerance” law. Wickenburg’s DUI laws are indeed strict, but it is not illegal to drive after consuming alcohol; the impairment must be proven.
Driving with a BAC of .08 or above is also classified as a “regular” DUI. Law enforcement must collect evidence showing that an individual’s BAC is .08 or higher within two hours of driving. This evidence is typically obtained after an arrest, usually at a DUI van or police station, through blood or breath tests.
Penalties for Impairment to the Slightest Degree or Driving with a BAC of .08 or Higher Include (but are not limited to):
- 10 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $1,500
- 12-month interlock device requirement
- Substance abuse counseling
- 90-day driver’s license suspension and points on your record
For a second offense within seven years, penalties include (but are not limited to):
- 90 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $3,000
- 12-month interlock device requirement
- Substance abuse counseling
- 1-year license revocation
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (Drug DUI)
Charged with a drug DUI is just as serious as an alcohol-related DUI. However, proving drug DUIs incorporates specific legal nuances that may be overlooked. A drug DUI can only be prosecuted if the drug or metabolite identified in your blood is on a legal list, and even then, only under specific conditions.
Penalties for a Drug DUI in Arizona Include (but are not limited to):
- 10 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $1,500
- Substance abuse counseling
- 90-day driver’s license suspension and points on your record
For a second offense within seven years, penalties include (but are not limited to):
- 90 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $3,000
- Substance abuse counseling
- 1-year license revocation
Driving with a BAC of .15 or Higher (Extreme DUI) Charges for driving with a BAC of .15 or higher are considered “extreme” DUIs and carry enhanced penalties due to elevated BAC levels. These charges arise when law enforcement collects evidence indicating a BAC of .15 or higher within two hours of driving.
Penalties for an Extreme DUI in Arizona Include (but are not limited to):
- 30 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $2,500
- 12-month interlock device requirement
- Substance abuse counseling
- 90-day driver’s license suspension and points on your record
For a second offense within seven years, penalties include (but are not limited to):
- 120 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $3,250
- 12-month interlock device requirement
- Substance abuse counseling
- 1-year license revocation
- Community service
Driving with a BAC of .20 or Higher (Super Extreme DUI) Charges for driving with a BAC of .20 or higher are labeled as “super extreme” DUIs in Wickenburg. These charges incur even greater penalties, and the BAC does not need to exceed .20 for penalties to escalate. Charges are based on evidence showing a BAC of .20 or higher within two hours of driving.
Penalties for a Super Extreme DUI in Arizona Include (but are not limited to):
- 45 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $3,000
- 18-month interlock device requirement
- Substance abuse counseling
- 90-day driver’s license suspension and points on your record
For a second offense within seven years, penalties include (but are not limited to):
- 180 days of jail
- Fines, fees, and assessments exceeding $3,750
- 12-month interlock device requirement
- Substance abuse counseling
- 1-year license revocation
- Community service
Overall, the penalties for DUIs in Wickenburg can be severe and vary significantly based on the specific circumstances of the offense, including the driver’s BAC and whether there are prior offenses. It’s important to be aware of these laws to understand the implications of driving under the influence and the potential legal consequences you may face. If you’re facing a DUI charge in Wickenburg, consulting with a legal professional who specializes in DUI cases can provide you with valuable guidance tailored to your situation.
Defense Strategies for DUI Charges in Wickenburg
Successfully challenging DUI charges necessitates a strategic approach focused on the unique facts of your case. Attorneys commonly scrutinize procedural mistakes, lack of evidence, and any breaches of constitutional rights. By identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, your Wickenburg DUI attorney can aim to lower charges, negotiate alternative outcomes, or seek dismissal of the case.
Effective DUI defenses hinge on the particulars of your arrest, including traffic stop details, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the calibration of breathalyzer equipment. Some common DUI defense strategies include:
- Questioning the reliability of BAC testing equipment, as improper maintenance, collection or testing can yield inaccurate results. As they often say—garbage in, garbage out.
- Arguing that the traffic stop lacked valid probable cause, which could make any evidence obtained during the stop inadmissible.
- Highlighting medical conditions or medications that may have skewed BAC readings, potentially causing false positives.
Navigating the Arizona Criminal Justice System
Wickenburg operates within Maricopa County and features its own municipal court system. If you’re facing DUI charges or other criminal offenses, your case will generally be processed in the Wickenburg Municipal Court. However, if your pulled over outside of the city limits, your case could be heard in the Hassayampa Justice Court.
Take Control of Your Wickenburg DUI Case Now
Confronting DUI charges in Wickenburg can be daunting, but obtaining skilled legal representation is the first step toward safeguarding your future. With a solid defense strategy, you can contest evidence, mitigate penalties, and strive for the best possible outcome. Don’t delay—schedule a free consultation with Steven Scharboneau today to discuss your case and begin crafting your defense.
Our firm is here for you 24/7 to offer the support and guidance you require during this challenging period. We are dedicated to defending your rights and helping you move forward confidently. Take charge of your case today. (623) 294-1428.
