Phoenix Aggravated DUI Attorney

Have You Been Arrested for Felony DUI in Phoenix?

In Arizona, what begins as a misdemeanor DUI can escalate into a felony with life-altering consequences. While a standard DUI charge carries serious penalties, an aggravated DUI conviction—also known as a felony DUI—can lead to mandatory prison time, substantial fines, and a permanent mark on your record. If you're facing these severe charges, you need a tenacious, experienced DUI defense attorney who understands the unique landscape of Arizona's DUI laws and has a proven track record of fighting and winning complex felony DUI cases in Phoenix.

How DUI Charges Become Aggravated (Felony DUI) in Phoenix

While any DUI charge in Arizona is serious, a standard misdemeanor DUI can quickly escalate to an aggravated DUI, which is classified as a felony offense. This enhancement significantly increases the severity of penalties you could face.

Your DUI charge may be elevated to an aggravated (felony) DUI if any of the following circumstances apply:

• A minor under the age of 15 was present in the vehicle at the time of your arrest.
• You were operating the vehicle while your driver's license was suspended, revoked, or canceled.
• You have two or more prior DUI convictions within 7 years (84 months) 
• You were required to have an ignition interlock device on your vehicle and failed to comply. 
• You have other specific prior felony convictions on your record that, in conjunction with the DUI, trigger an aggravated charge.

If your DUI incident resulted in serious injury, death, or major property damage, you may face additional or separate felony charges, such as aggravated assault with a vehicle or even vehicular manslaughter. These are extremely serious and often prosecuted aggressively in Arizona, making skilled legal representation essential.

Penalties for Aggravated DUI in Phoenix, Arizona

An aggravated DUI is typically charged as a Class 4 felony in Arizona, carrying severe and life-altering consequences upon conviction. These repercussions can include:

• Mandatory Prison Time: Unlike misdemeanor DUIs, a felony DUI often involves significant periods of incarceration.
• Hefty Fines: Monetary fines can reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, excluding other court costs and assessments.
• Extended License Suspension/Revocation: Your driving privileges could be suspended for years, or your license could be permanently revoked by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD).
• Vehicle Forfeiture: In some aggravated DUI cases, the state may seek to seize and keep your vehicle.
• Ignition Interlock Device Requirements: Even after a suspension, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device on your vehicle for an extended period.
• Permanent Felony Record: A felony conviction will impact your employment opportunities, housing, professional licenses, and social standing for the rest of your life.
• Increased Insurance Premiums: Your vehicle insurance rates will skyrocket, or you may find it difficult to obtain coverage at all.

Navigating MVD processes and understanding the nuances of how these penalties are applied in Phoenix courts requires the deep legal insight of an experienced DUI defense attorney. Familiarity with local court operations and prevailing attitudes is essential for crafting a successful defense strategy aimed at mitigating these severe consequences.

Hard-Hitting Criminal Defense You Can Count On

It is important to remember that just because you have been criminally charged does not mean that you have been convicted. There are legal steps you can take to defend your rights and protect yourself from serious criminal penalties.

For example, what if you were subjected to an unlawful police stop? While most people don't realize, the truth is that not every traffic stop is lawful. If there was not probable cause to pull you over, the validity of the entire arrest may be called into question. Our legal team thoroughly examines the specifics of each arrest to uncover errors or rights infringements that could lead to reduced charges or dismissals.

Phoenix DUI lawyer Anthony Knowles has successfully defended hundreds of clients who have been charged with this crime and is not afraid to negotiate or stand up to the prosecution.

The entire legal team at Knowles Law Firm, PLC understands that being charged with any kind of DUI can be a frightening, overwhelming, and stressful experience, but it is also something that you do not have to go through alone. Our client-centered approach involves comprehensive consultations where we educate clients about their rights, provide clear expectations, and outline strategic options unique to their circumstances. Our objective is to ensure that clients feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

The firm is committed to providing each client with personalized attention, time, effort, and dedication throughout their entire case to help each defendant navigate this difficult time.

Above all, the team works hard to fight against DUI charges and to help maximize your chances of a favorable outcome!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Do If I'm Pulled Over for Suspected DUI in Phoenix?

If you are pulled over for a suspected DUI in Phoenix, remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement officers. It's crucial to keep your responses short and polite; you have the right to avoid self-incrimination. If asked to perform field sobriety tests, you may decline, though this refusal could have consequences on the road immediately, such as license suspension.

Immediately request to speak with a DUI attorney before you decide to submit to any chemical tests, such as breathalyzer, if you have not been fully informed of your legal obligations and rights. Seeking legal advice immediately can significantly affect the direction of your case and help reduce long-term consequences. Remember to keep documents like your license, registration, and insurance information handy and ready to present. All these steps ensure you’re providing enough information to get by legally without hindering your defense options.

How Can Prior DUI Convictions Impact My Current Case?

Prior DUI convictions in Arizona can significantly affect your current DUI case. Arizona adheres to a strict 'look-back' period or 'washout period,' typically involving prior offenses from the past seven years. If you have had two or more offenses within this timeframe, any subsequent violation could be charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

This elevation in charge comes with much more severe penalties. Thus, it is crucial to communicate openly with your attorney about any past offenses. This helps prepare a robust defense strategy. With in-depth knowledge of your criminal record, Knowles Law Firm, PLC can help contextualize and advocate for lesser charges or expungement options if applicable. Professional legal guidance is vital to understanding the implications on your record and what measures to take to protect your future opportunities.

Why Is Legal Representation Important for an Aggravated DUI?

Legal representation is crucial in aggravated DUI cases because of the complexity and severity of the charges involved. These charges often carry harsher penalties, including extended jail time, higher fines, and longer license suspensions. In Phoenix, having an attorney who understands local law enforcement and court procedures can make a significant difference in navigating the legal system effectively.

Furthermore, an experienced legal team can negotiate with prosecutors to reduce or dismiss charges based on the evidence and circumstances. Knowles Law Firm, PLC has the requisite experience in developing comprehensive defense strategies tailored to your case, making it possible to minimize or eliminate severe consequences. Additionally, having someone to guide you through the paperwork, court appearances, and interactions with law enforcement agencies is an invaluable aid in ensuring that your rights are upheld throughout the process.