Phoenix DUI Lawyer

Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa & the Entire Valley

Why Hire This Firm?

• Nearly 25 years of experience to help you win your case
• Significant experience with all types of DUI cases in all AZ Courts
• Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist
• Competitive rates, including flat fees
• Work with one attorney who handles each case from start to finish
• Thousands of satisfied clients

Do I really need a DUI Attorney? A DUI conviction can result in the following consequences, including (but not limited to):

• Jail Time
• Prison Time
• Heavy Fines and Court Costs
• Loss of Driving Privileges
• Ignition Interlock Requirements
• Criminal Record
• Increased Insurance Premiums
• Loss of Job
• Community Work Service
• Probation

We Handle All Types of DUI Cases, including (but not limited to):

• 1st Time DUI
• Extreme DUI
• Super Extreme DUI
• DUI with Priors
• Aggravated DUI (Felony)
• DUI Involving Serious Injury or Death (Felony)
• DUI Drugs
• Underage DUI

DUI Charges in Phoenix, AZ?

It is against the law in Arizona to operate a motor vehicle (or an aircraft or watercraft) or be in actual physical control (APC) of a vehicle, while impaired due to the influence of alcohol, drugs, or drug metabolites. Law enforcement may stop a vehicle if the driver is unable to stay in a traffic lane or exhibits any erratic driving.

When officers begin speaking to a suspicious driver they are observing behavior and checking the inside of the car for minor occupants, open containers or controlled substances. The driver may be asked to submit to field sobriety tests for evidence of intoxication. The test consists of a variety of physical coordination tests. If officers feel it is necessary after these tests they will ask the driver to submit to a breathalyzer, blood test, or urine test to determine the level of alcohol in the blood.

A driver who measures a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours of driving will be arrested and charged with a DUI offense. A driver who refuses to submit to a blood test will face an automatic one-year license suspension under Arizona law. Before making statements to the police, it is advisable to consult with an experienced DUI lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

A DUI is a serious offense and the consequences can be significant whether a first-time DUI, a 2nd or 3rd offense, an Extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI, or Super Extreme DUI. The DUI laws can be harsh, making it necessary to have legal representation from the time of arrest, at arraignment, during MVD hearings, and throughout all phases of DUI criminal proceedings, including trial if necessary. Common penalties for a serious DUI offense can include: jail or prison time, alcohol education and counseling, vehicle impoundment or forfeiture, and the installation of an ignition interlock device, depending on the circumstances in each case.

Given the significant consequences if convicted of a DUI, it is imperative that you seek the advice and counsel of an attorney who has significant experience in litigating DUI cases. Mr. Buckallew is a Board Certified Criminal Defense Lawyer with nearly 25 years’ experience in fighting DUI cases in just about every court in the Valley. He is prepared to comprehensively evaluate your case and determine the best defense strategies in achieving the best outcome possible in your case.

Our Firm has handled all types of DUI cases, and related matters, including the following:

If you have been accused of DUI that caused an injury, you could be facing more severe penalties. Dangerous offenses have mandatory prison time as well as fines of up to $150,000. You could also lose your driver's license for three years. This Firm has represented individuals with DUI involving Homicide cases as well as DUI Involving Serious Injury and understands the seriousness and complexities involved in these types of DUI cases.

Most people think that driving under the influence refers only to alcohol, but it also refers to drugs. Any drug, legal or illegal, that causes impaired driving can result in a DUI conviction, including some prescription and over the counter drugs.

If you are caught driving while intoxicated with a suspended or revoked license, you could be charged with aggravated (felony) DUI. Also, if there was a child under the age or fifteen or it is your third DUI in a period of seven years, you could also be charged with aggravated (felony) DUI.

Many people do not realize that breath and blood tests are not always accurate. Errors can occur both in the administration of the test as well as in the interpretation of the test's results. If you believe a mistake was made in your case, contact a DUI attorney from the firm to discuss your legal options.

Extreme DUI refers to a driver who had a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.15% to 0.199% within two hours of driving. This can lead to up to six months in jail and five years of probation. You may also have to be screened for alcohol as well as attend counseling sessions. Furthermore, a vehicle interlock device may be placed on your vehicle.

Standardized field sobriety tests include the one-legged stand, the walk and turn test, and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. The first two tests are divided attention tests where the individual is asked to stand on one leg or walk in a straight line while counting out loud. The HGN test examines the gaze of the driver to see it there is any involuntary jerking of the eyes.

You can be convicted of driving under the influence if your blood alcohol concentration or content was 0.08% or higher. If you were found to be driving impaired by drugs, you may also be charged with DUI. A conviction can lead to fines, time in jail, alcohol classes, ignition interlock device, and loss of driving privileges.

If you have been involved in an accident that has caused property damage or injury to another driver, you are legally required to remain at the scene until law enforcement arrives. If you have been found to leave the scene of an accident while impaired by drugs or alcohol, you should seek the advice of a DUI attorney for legal counsel.

If you have been accused of drunk driving while under the age of twenty-one, you could be facing harsh penalties. If convicted of DUI, you could lose your drivers' license for up to two years as well as attend alcohol awareness classes and perform community service.

Were you charged with a second DUI, extreme DUI or super extreme DUI within 7 years of your last charge? If so, you could be convicted and face enhanced penalties including possible jail time and fines. Avoid these increased consequences and the stigma associated with a repeat offender by seeking the advice of experienced legal counsel.

Within fifteen days of being charged with DUI, you have the opportunity to schedule a hearing with the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD). If you fail to do so, your driver's license will be automatically suspended. An experienced DUI attorney from our Firm can represent you at this hearing to present arguments on behalf of retaining your driving privileges.

If you have been found to be driving with a blood alcohol concentration or 0.20% or above, you could be charged with super extreme DUI. The minimum penalty for this charge is forty-five days in jail as well as ninety days suspended license.

When it comes to DUI charges, there are numerous reasons your driver's license could be suspended. If you are found to be driving while your license is suspended, it is a criminal violation that could remain on your license for the rest of your life.

Arizona has a zero-tolerance stance towards minors drinking and driving. As it remains on your criminal record, it can seriously hinder your ability to get into a university or be hired for a job. You may also have to spend time in jail and have your license suspended for up to two years.

One of the consequences of extreme DUI, super extreme DUI, Aggravated DUI and Underage DUI is vehicle impoundment. In some instances the vehicle can be forfeited and taken permanently by the State. If your vehicle has been impounded or is at risk of being forfeited, talk to a DUI attorney at the firm as soon as possible.

An ignition interlock device is a tool installed on a vehicle which prevents the driver from starting the car until they have measured their blood alcohol content. By blowing into the device, it is able to detect whether the driver has a BAC of 0.08% or above.

Mr. Buckallew is committed to defending your rights and pursuing all possible defense strategies to successfully resolve your case. Not only did he focus on criminal and DUI defense during law school, Mr. Buckallew also subsequently obtained his Master's of Forensic Science (M.F.S.) degree, giving him unique background and knowledge in litigating complex criminal and DUI cases. Given the increasing involvement of forensic science in criminal litigation, having an attorney trained in both of these areas is invaluable. He understands the complexities of the science behind the evidence, including breath and blood tests as well other scientific evidence inherent in a DUI case. This is also applicable for DUI with drugs and the understanding of both criminal law as well as forensic science is critical to a well prepared DUI defense. Mr. Buckallew will work vigorously to protect your rights and defend your case.

A solid DUI defense requires a thorough investigation of all the facts and evidence associated with your case. This can include the validity of your arrest, field sobriety tests, chemical tests, other evidence against you and whether or not it can be proven that you had actually been driving the vehicle. An experienced DUI attorney will be able to identify legal or factual deficiencies in your case and then aggressively negotiate and/or litigate a successful resolution to your case. You should seek legal assistance for any kind of DUI charge, including underage DUI or complicated incidents such as those that involve leaving the scene. The Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC can also defend minor in consumption charges as well as represent individuals at MVD hearings.

Contact an experienced Phoenix DUI lawyer for legal counsel and defense of your DUI charges. We handle cases in Phoenix courts, throughout Maricopa County and Statewide.