Can I Get My DUI Expunged in Arizona?

Receiving a DUI charge in Arizona is a significant event, as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is treated as a serious crime with severe penalties. These penalties can range from automatic revocation of driving privileges, fines, jail time, and more, escalating based on the level of intoxication and the number of prior convictions. Given the harsh consequences, many people with DUI convictions wish to mitigate this single lapse in judgment, leading them to explore legal avenues such as expungements or, in Arizona's case, setting aside a conviction. 

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If you need help getting a past charge or conviction set aside, our office is ready to help with a free consultation. When working with our law firm, you will have an attorney who is easily accessible, has an excellent reputation, and has a wealth of experience handling different criminal matters. We offer free consultations to help you determine what your next steps need to be. 

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Understanding Expungements and Set-Asides in Arizona

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First, it's important to understand what a DUI expungement is. In Arizona, as in many states, expungement refers to the process of sealing or erasing a criminal record from public view. The specifics can vary widely by state; Arizona has a process for setting aside convictions rather than expungement in the traditional sense. "Setting aside" a conviction is somewhat different from expunging it, as the record still exists. Still, the conviction is marked as being set aside or vacated, which can have similar effects to an expungement.

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When a DUI conviction is set aside in Arizona, it means the court nullifies the conviction. As a result, potential employers who run background checks would see that the conviction was set aside. This could potentially increase your employability and alleviate some of the stigma associated with a DUI conviction.

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Will Hiring a Criminal Defense Attorney Speed Up the Set Aside Process?

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In general, hiring a private criminal defense attorney can have several advantages when seeking to have a DUI conviction set aside. An experienced attorney well-versed in Arizona's laws would understand the intricacies of the process and be able to guide you through it more effectively. They would know what kind of paperwork needs to be filed, what arguments to make in court, and how to navigate any obstacles.

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An attorney could potentially expedite the process in the following ways:

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1. Knowledge and Understanding of Legal Procedures: Legal proceedings can be complex and confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the process. A lawyer has the training and experience to navigate the legal system efficiently, which could result in a faster resolution.

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2. Legal Strategy: An attorney would know how to present your case in the best possible light. They could build a strong argument based on your specific circumstances and the nuances of Arizona law, potentially increasing the likelihood of a successful outcome.

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3. Efficient Paperwork Handling: The process of getting a conviction set aside involves a lot of paperwork. If not done correctly, this can result in delays. An attorney can ensure all necessary documents are completed accurately and submitted on time.

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4. Negotiation Skills: Attorneys have experience negotiating with judges and prosecutors, which can be beneficial if there are any disputes during the process.

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However, there are several points to keep in mind:

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• Not a Guarantee: While an attorney can help navigate and potentially expedite the process, they cannot guarantee a faster result. The time it takes to get a DUI conviction set aside can vary depending on many factors, including the conviction's specifics, the courts' workload, and the judge's discretion.

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• Financial Costs: Hiring a private attorney is a financial investment. It's important to weigh the potential benefits of hiring a private attorney against the cost.

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While hiring a private criminal defense attorney might increase the efficiency of the process and provide a more favorable outcome, it doesn't necessarily guarantee the process will be faster. The complexities of the legal system, combined with the specific details of your case, will ultimately determine the time required to set aside a DUI conviction in Arizona.

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Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix

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‍If you or a loved one needs help getting a past charge or conviction set aside, our office is ready to help with a free consultation. The most important step you can take right now is to consult with an experienced attorney with extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system and how to handle expungements. If you choose to work with our firm, you will always have direct access to your attorney and will work with one of Arizona's most knowledgeable criminal attorneys. 

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‍Our firm serves the areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler and other areas around Arizona. If you or a loved one need help with an expungement / set aside in Arizona, please contact us today to schedule your free consultation.