Phoenix Alcohol DUI Defense Lawyer

If You’ve Been Arrested for DUI in Phoenix, Read This Before Doing Anything Else

A DUI arrest in Arizona is serious — even for a first offense. It can mean mandatory jail time, thousands in fines, loss of your license, and a criminal record that follows you for years.

The good news? A strong defense can protect your rights, your record, and your future.

As a Phoenix DUI defense attorney, I’ve helped hundreds of clients get charges reduced, cases dismissed, or penalties minimized. This guide explains exactly what you’re facing, how Arizona DUI law works, and what we can do together to fight your case.

1. Understanding DUI Charges in Arizona

Arizona law is found in A.R.S. § 28-1381. For alcohol DUIs, prosecutors often charge you two ways for the same incident:

Count 1: DUI – Impaired to the Slightest Degree

Even if your BAC is under the legal limit, you can be convicted if the state claims you were impaired to any degree by alcohol.

Count 2: DUI – BAC of 0.08% or Higher

If a test taken within two hours of driving shows a BAC of 0.08% or more (0.04% for commercial drivers, zero tolerance for under-21 drivers), the state can prove this count without showing actual impairment.

Important: These are alternate counts — you won’t be sentenced twice for the same DUI. But the state only needs to win on one of them.

2. Penalties for a First-Time DUI – What You’re Really Facing

Even without prior offenses, Arizona requires mandatory jail time and other harsh penalties:

Offense	Jail	Fines & Fees	License	Ignition Interlock	Other Penalties
1st Regular DUI	10 days (court may suspend 9 with alcohol education)	$1,250+	90 days to 1 year suspension	12 months (possible 6-month early removal)	Alcohol screening/education, possible probation, SR-22 insurance
2nd Regular DUI (within 7 years)	90 days (30 consecutive minimum)	$3,000+	1-year revocation	12+ months IID	At least 30 hours community service, SR-22 insurance

Did you know? Arizona law allows for alternatives like home detention or continuous alcohol monitoring in certain courts after serving a portion of your jail sentence.

3. The Impact of a DUI Conviction

A DUI is not just about fines and jail. It can:

• Raise your car insurance rates for years
• Result in job loss (especially for jobs requiring driving or security clearance)
• Limit future employment and travel opportunities
• Cause hardship for your family due to license suspension

This is why fighting the charge is worth it — the long-term cost of a conviction can far exceed the cost of a defense.

4. Proven Defense Strategies in DUI Alcohol Cases

When I take on a DUI case, I examine every aspect for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case:

1. The Stop – Did the officer have legal grounds to pull you over?
2. Field Sobriety Tests – Were they conducted according to NHTSA standards?
3. Breath/Blood Testing – Was the machine properly calibrated and maintained?
4. Medical Factors – Acid reflux, diabetes, fatigue, or medications can cause false BAC readings.
5. Procedural Errors – Rights violations or mishandled evidence can lead to suppression of evidence.

Many DUI cases are won — or reduced — because of technical errors, improper police work, or questionable lab results.

5. What to Do Immediately After a DUI Arrest

If you’ve been arrested:

• Do not discuss the details of your case with anyone except your attorney.
• Request an MVD hearing within 15 days to challenge license suspension.
• Write down everything you remember — the stop, testing, and conversations with police.
• Call me directly at (602) 730-1756 for a free case review.

6. Why Choose Me as Your DUI Defense Attorney

I founded Arizona Justice Law Group to give clients in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County direct, aggressive, and knowledgeable defense.

• Hundreds of DUI cases handled – from standard to extreme and aggravated DUIs.
• Trial-tested – I am prepared to take your case to court if needed.
• Multilingual representation – English, Spanish, Filipino.
• Client-first approach – You work directly with me, not just my staff.

Client Review:

“Mr. Sapad & his team did a great job in communicating weekly. Notified me weeks before of any court appearances. He beat multiple charges that I had, & is well acquainted with the Scottsdale, Tempe area clerks & attorneys.”

7. Service Areas

I represent DUI clients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Avondale, Queen Creek, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Buckeye, Tolleson, Wickenburg, Anthem, Ahwatukee and all of Maricopa County.

Final Word: Act Quickly

In DUI cases, time is your most valuable asset. Early legal intervention means more opportunities to:

• Preserve evidence in your favor
• Challenge license suspension
• Negotiate for reduced penalties or alternative resolutions

📞 Call (602) 730-1756 or 📧 email ArizonaJusticeLawyer@gmail.com for a free, confidential consultation.

Contact Arizona Justice Law