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First Offense DUI Attorney in Phoenix

If you or a loved one faces a DUI charge in Phoenix, we encourage you to contact our attorney at Benikov Law. Attorney Alex Benikov has a wealth of experience handling various DUI situations and is committed to securing a just outcome for your case. Contact us promptly to arrange a free consultation, during which we will help you identify the most suitable course of action.

Criminal Defense & DUI Attorney In Phoenix

Arizona First Offense DUI Laws

The regulations surrounding DUI offenses in Arizona are stringent and perplexing for individuals facing their initial charge. As a newcomer to this legal process, it's natural to be filled with questions and apprehensions about the potential impact on your life. Experiencing an arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated can be intimidating and anxiety-inducing, particularly for those with no prior DUI convictions. Contacting a skilled DUI lawyer can provide invaluable guidance on the legal avenues available to first-time DUI defendants.

Under the DUI statutes of Arizona, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle or be in physical possession of it while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although the legal limit for impairment nationwide is set at .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood, under ARS §28-1381, which outlines the laws pertaining to impaired driving in Arizona, a driver can still be charged with DUI even if they are impaired to the slightest degree.

Here are possible first-offense DUI charges:

  • Regular DUI: If you are at least 21 in Arizona, you may be charged with DUI if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is over .08% (for commercial vehicle drivers, the limit is .04%, and for those under 21, the limit is 0.00%).
  • Aggravated DUI: this is one of the first-offense DUI charges that a person can face in Arizona, and it can be issued if there was a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle at the time of the citation.
  • Extreme or Super-Extreme DUI: These convictions are possible for individuals with elevated levels of blood alcohol concentration or drug content (BADC) and carry harsher penalties.
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First Offense DUI Penalties in Arizona

Suppose your blood alcohol test shows a concentration of 0.08% or more (0.04% for a commercial vehicle requiring a commercial driver's license) or no test results are available. In that case, your driving privileges will be immediately revoked.

You may be eligible for a restricted permit or have your driving privileges reinstated after completing an alcohol or drug screening, which is required before reinstatement.

The penalties and consequences you may face for a DUI conviction depend on various factors, such as the circumstances in which you were cited and the number of prior DUI offenses on your record.

Regular DUI Penalties: Under Arizona law, a first-time DUI offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries penalties that include:

  • A minimum of 10 consecutive days in jail.
  • A fine of no less than $1,250.
  • Mandatory alcohol screening, education, and treatment.
  • Installing a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate requires.
  • Completion of community service hours.

Extreme DUI Penalties: If your blood-alcohol content was .15% or higher, you would be charged with an "extreme DUI." The penalties for a first-offense extreme DUI include the following:

  • At least 30 consecutive days in jail, without the possibility of probation or a suspended sentence.
  • A fine of no less than $2,500.
  • Mandatory alcohol screening, education, and treatment.
  • Installing a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate requires.
  • Completion of community service hours.

Aggravated DUI Penalties: Aggravated DUI charges may be filed by prosecutors in certain situations for a first-time DUI offense. One of those circumstances includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a minor under 15 in the car. If convicted of an aggravated DUI offense, you will face severe penalties, which may include:

  • Imprisonment for up to two years.
  • Mandatory alcohol screening, education, and treatment.
  • Installing a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate requires.
  • Completion of community service hours.

Apart from the criminal penalties associated with a DUI conviction, there are administrative consequences for a DUI arrest. For instance, an individual arrested for a first-time DUI offense in Arizona will have their driver's license automatically suspended for 90 days, regardless of whether they are found guilty by a judge or jury.

However, you can challenge the administrative license suspension through a separate legal proceeding.

CASE RESULTS

Standard DUI
Charges reduced to reckless driving.
2nd Offense Extreme DUI
Charges Reduced
Drug DUI
Reduced to Reckless Driving
DUI Charges
Reduced to reckless driving.
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Contact A Phoenix First-Time Offense DUI Attorney

If you or someone close to you is facing a first-time DUI charge in Phoenix, seeking legal counsel without delay is imperative. By enlisting the services of attorney Alex Benikov, you will partner with a legal representative who has advocated for individuals from diverse backgrounds throughout the Phoenix area.

We serve the areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler, and other locations around Arizona. Please consider contacting us for a free consultation of your case to help you understand the best options to move forward.

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Attorney Alexander Benikov

Focus

Mr. Benikov only practices in the areas of criminal defense and DUI defense. This means that all his knowledge is focused on one area of law. Hire an attorney that only practices the type of law that will help your case.

Reputation

Mr. Benikov is known for his excellent reputation in the areas of criminal defense and DUI defense. A lawyer is only as good as his reputation. When you hire Mr. Benikov, he will put his reputation to work for you. No matter if Mr. Benikov is dealing with prosecutors, other attorneys, or Judges, they all know his word is his bond.

Knowledge of Current Law

Mr. Benikov is at the forefront of ever-changing laws and works closely with his clients. Every year there are significant changes to Arizona law and Mr. Benikov works hard to stay on top of all the changes. Mr. Benikov prides himself on attending the best seminars to give his clients the maximum advantage. Mr. Benikov is at the forefront of ever-changing laws and works closely with his clients. Every year there are significant changes to Arizona law and Mr. Benikov works hard to stay on top of all the changes. Mr. Benikov prides himself on attending the best seminars to give his clients the maximum advantage.

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Legal Disclaimer:

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Benikov Law Firm's legal team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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