Phoenix First Time DUI Attorney

Being charged with a DUI can be a very frightening experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the criminal justice system and don’t know what to expect in terms of court proceedings, penalties and potential long-term consequences of a DUI conviction. Whenever possible, it is advantageous to seek the advice of experienced legal counsel before answering any questions or issuing any statements to law enforcement if you are the target of a criminal or DUI investigation. If you have been arrested for DUI or any other criminal charge, contact a Phoenix DUI lawyer to discuss your legal options before making any decision in your case. When hiring an attorney, it is important to choose one that has the experience and background required to advance an aggressive legal defense in your DUI case. Throughout his legal career, Mr. Buckallew has concentrated on criminal and DUI defense and he has extensive experience in resolving all types of complex criminal cases. He is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, as certified by the State Bar of Arizona and has significant experience in this area of law. He will vigorously fight to achieve the best outcome possible in your case through pre-trial negotiations, settlement conferences, or if appropriate, through a bench or jury trial. If you have been charged with a first-time DUI, contact an experienced and aggressive Phoenix DUI attorney to discuss your legal options.

You can be charged with DUI if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) measures at 0.08% or more within two hours of driving, or if you are 'impaired to the slightest degree' by the presence of alcohol or drugs in your system. In cases of commercial vehicles requiring commercial driver's licenses, a BAC of 0.04% or more can result in a DUI charge. While penalties for a first time DUI are the most lenient of all DUI offenses, they can still be considerably harsh. The penalties are based largely on the level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) as measured within two hours after driving. If your BAC is at 0.08% but less than 0.15%, this is considered a ‘regular’ DUI. If your BAC is at 0.15% but less than 0.20%, this is considered an ‘extreme’ DUI. If your BAC is at 0.20% or higher, this is considered a ‘super’ extreme DUI. The penalties become increasingly harsher with each of these. They can include up to 6 months in jail, a $2,500 fine with an 84% surcharge, and a driver’s license suspension from 90 days up to 1 year. Additional costs include a $500 prison construction fee and $500 for the state general fund. You could also be required to use an interlock device for 12 months, attend mandatory alcohol screening and counseling, be ordered to complete community work service, and be placed on probation for up to five years. See DUI Penalties for an outline of the specific penalties for the various types of DUI offenses, including Aggravated DUI, which is a felony offense resulting from various ‘aggravating’ factors which may be present in a DUI case. 

Contact the Law Offices of Trent R. Buckallew, PC today to discuss your options in resolving your DUI case. The firm handles all types of DUI offenses ranging from 1st Time DUI to DUI involving Injury or Death and has handled cases in most court's throughout the Valley.