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    Archives for February 2014

    Arizona DUI numbers decrease in 2013

    WindshieldAccording to a recent article citing data from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, in 2013, for the first time in ten years the total number of DUI arrests in Arizona has decreased.

    That’s good news for everyone on the road – drivers, passengers, even pedestrians. It’s also very encouraging to think that people are taking greater care to consider the risks to everyone’s safety, before getting behind the wheel.  Possibly,  people now have greater awareness of the potential consequences of driving while under the influence, and are doing their best to prevent anything unsafe, or dangerous, from occurring.

    That being said, people are people, and it is probably more realistic than idealistic to say that DUI arrests, and the consequences that follow, will continue to happen.  And whatever the circumstances, if you find that you are facing a DUI charge, it could be in your best interest to seek advice from an experienced DUI attorney at Zachary Law Group.  We have extensive experience that could make all the difference in achieving a better legal outcome for you.

    Whatever the latest figures may suggest, the coming year will no doubt have its fair share of unforeseen events. So, if a situation related to DUI charges should arise and you need help protecting your legal rights, just give us a call.  At Zachary Law Group, we offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, and our own special approach to finding solutions to your legal problems.  By working together, we’ll find a way to “Zach-It!”   So don’t wait too long to call.

    Put the power of the law on your side, to assert and protect your rights.  Call us today at 1-855-Zach-law.

     

    When a DUI is a felony in Arizona

    DUIBreathFor many activities, jobs, and hobbies in our lives, the rule of “practice makes perfect” applies:  the more you do something, the better you may get.

    When the subject is DUI charges and DUI convictions, though, that is not the case.  In fact, the more DUI charges or convictions a person has, the worse the consequences can be.

    When is a DUI a felony in Arizona?  In Arizona, you can be charged with Aggravated DUI, also known as Felony DUI, depending on the degree of impairment while driving as well as contributing factors, including:

    • A suspended, cancelled, revoked, refused, or restricted license; or
    • Two DUI convictions within seven years of the DUI currently charged; or
    • You were ordered to have an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle

    It is also a Felony DUI if you meet the above criteria but with the presence of a child under 15 in the vehicle.

    A felony conviction of any kind is extremely serious, and can be detrimental to you in many ways.  If you are convicted of an Aggravated DUI that conviction can follow you for the rest of your life.  It can even be used against you to extend your sentence, should you ever be charged for any other felony offense.

    Any DUI charge is something that should be treated seriously.  If you, a loved one, or a friend is in a situation like this, maybe you should consider getting help from an experienced DUI attorney at Zachary Law Group.  Not every DUI is a felony.  But why take the chance of letting something that seems minor turn into something with major, lifelong consequences?

    At Zachary Law Group, we offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation.  We can advise and represent you at every step to find a solution to your DUI-related issues.   With our teamwork approach, we’ll help you tackle your legal problem and “Zach-It!”  So if you have a problem, don’t wait for it to turn into a potential lifelong disaster.  Put the power of the law on your side, to assert and protect your rights.  Call us today at 1-855-Zach-law.

     

    How an Arizona DUI conviction can get you into a “fine” mess

    Man holding money largeWhen someone is convicted on a DUI charge here in Arizona, the penalties can include jail time, monetary fines, required community service, driver’s license suspension, and drug/alcohol testing, counseling and education – just to name a few.

    Sometimes, just the suggestion of incarceration or a felony conviction is enough to keep a person on the straight and narrow.  But for some people, the most frightening punishment of all is the financial kind.  So let’s talk about DUI strictly in monetary terms.

    Here is the tally of possible fines for an initial DUI conviction:

    • DUI Base Fine = $250
    • Arizona DUI Surcharge = $200
    • Probation Surcharge = $10
    • Prison Construction Assessment = $500
    • Arizona Xtra DUI Assessment = $500

    That adds up to just under $1500, but additional fines are also possible.  This amount does not include court imposed surcharges, court imposed counseling fees, Mothers Against Drunk Driving course fee, or interlock fee, just to name a few.  With a first time DUI conviction you could easily pay $2,000 or more.

    For a second conviction, the fines can jump quite a bit higher:

    • DUI Base Fine = $500
    • Arizona DUI Surcharge= $400
    • Probation Surcharge = $10
    • Prison Construction Assessment = $1,250
    • Arizona Xtra DUI Assessment = $1,250
    • Again, you may incur extra costs, like paying to install an interlock ignition device, for example.

    The fines for a third and/or Aggravated DUI conviction are yet steeper.

    • DUI Base Fine = $750
    • Arizona DUI Surcharge = $600
    • Probation Surcharge  = $10
    • Prison Construction Assessment =  $1,500
    • Arizona Xtra DUI Assessment = $1,500
    • DUI Abatement Fee = $250

    My point here is that a DUI conviction can have disastrous financial consequences in addition to possible criminal penalties.  The best way to avoid it all is to not get behind the wheel if you are in any way at risk.

    Should you find yourself in need of help with a DUI-related legal problem, contact an experienced attorney at Zachary Law Group.  Not only do we offer a FREE 30-minute case evaluation, we dedicate ourselves to finding the best possible solution to your case.  Let us help you “Zach-It.” Put the power of the law on your side, to assert and protect your rights.  Call us today at 1-855-Zach-law.

    What happens if you get pulled over for DUI in Arizona?

    Drunk DrivingIf you are stopped by the authorities for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) in Arizona, there is a specific series of questions and events that usually follows the stop.

    • You will be asked to provide your driver’s license and registration
    • You may be asked it you had anything to drink that night. Simply say I respectfully would rather not answer that question without the advice of my attorney.
    • You may be asked to step outside the vehicle and do some simple physical coordination activities – field tests – to see if you appear intoxicated.  You have the right to refuse to take these tests. If you do agree to take this test, let the officer know that you would like to record the test on your phone.
    • You may be asked to permit the officer to search your vehicle.  You have the right to refuse this search as well.  You may be asked other questions, and you have the right to refuse to answer and to request an attorney.
    • You may be asked if you want to take a breath, blood or urine test, and you might be taken to a police station or testing facility for the administration of that test.  You should agree to take the test(s).  Your driver’s license will be suspended for at least a year if you refuse. (The police could get a judge to sign a search warrant requiring you to give your blood). Taking the test could be a much wiser decision than saying no. Depending on the result, you may or may not be charged with a DUI.
    • After the test has been administered, you may be asked whether you want your test sample(s) to be preserved.  Always say yes.  The results can be used as evidence to help your case later.
    • When you are released, it’s a good idea to arrange to have another test done immediately at a hospital or by your own doctor.

    At every stage of the process, remember to be polite and cooperative. You can still refuse to do certain things or answer questions and still remain respectful.

    Finally, and perhaps most importantly, remember that you may request an attorney at any point in the process (if you cannot afford one, the court in most DUI situations will appoint an attorney to represent you at no or little cost to you.) An experienced DUI attorney will have the knowledge and familiarity with every step of the legal process, which can make all the difference between a good outcome and a bad break.

    Consider what you have just read as a dose of helpful, preventive information. It is not legal advice. If you have questions about how DUI laws may affect you, or you are facing any DUI-related legal problems, contact Zachary Law Group for a FREE 30-minute case evaluation.  Once you’ve made the call, you can be confident that we will do everything possible to assert and protect your legal rights and  “Zach-It!”   Call us today at 1-855-Zach-law.

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