How to Protect Your Rights When You Are Arrested for a Crime in Arizona

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Being arrested and charged with a crime is a stressful and confusing experience. One minute you are free and the next you may find yourself placed in handcuffs and transported to jail for processing.

During this period of mental and physical exhaustion, prosecutors will likely try to get you to plead guilty to a crime or make statements to incriminate yourself before you’ve had an opportunity to speak with an attorney.

The key to protecting your rights and defending yourself against criminal charges is knowing how to handle this type of situation responsibly. At the Shah Law Firm, we fight every day to make sure our clients’ constitutional rights are protected. We compiled the following guide to help you know what to expect if you ever find yourself accused of a crime. Read more →

Some Useful Facts About Boating Under the Influence

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We are all-too-familiar with driving under the influence (DUI), what with all the road mishaps and the injuries and fatalities they bring every year. But many do not know there are also laws against boating under the influence or BUI. Of course, not too many people own or drive boats, which is probably why awareness about BUIs is not that widespread. Nevertheless, learning the ins and outs of BUI is just as important, because roughly half of all deaths in boating accidents involve alcohol according to the U.S. Coast Guard, and you wouldn’t want to be caught up in one. Read more →

Arizona DUI Tips: What You Need to Know

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The Arizona DUI Court Process

The DUI Court Process can be a very intimidating process for anyone–especially for someone that has never been involved in the court process before. Mrs. Shah is extremely familiar with the Arizona DUI and Criminal Court processes throughout the entire State of Arizona. Mrs. Shah can help you navigate through this uncomfortable and complicated process.

During your initial court hearings, you very likely do not need to attend, Mrs. Shah or one of the Shah Law Firms experienced attorneys will attend on your behalf. Typically a DUI case takes several months to resolve as there are several steps that need to take place (obtaining reports, negotiating with the assigned prosecutor, etc.). It is also during this time that Mrs. Shah will be able to use her experience and best efforts to negotiate the best possible resolution of your DUI case.

In most cases, a resolution can be achieved without needing to go to trial. However, in certain cases, it may be more beneficial for you to proceed to trial. As a en experienced trial attorney, Mrs. Shah can develop the best possible trial strategy and defense if you decide to take your case to trial. Read more →

7 Tips on Incarceration in Arizona

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Tip #1. Enter on a full stomach. Plan on being in a holding cell for between 18 and 24 hours, both when you enter Tent City, and when being released

Tip #2. Dress warmly.  It is extremely cold at night, even in the summer. Dress in layers to allow for removal of clothing. Also, you will be sitting on concrete, so it is a good idea to have a jacket or an extra layer of clothes to remove and sit on.

Tip #3. Make sure the incarceration paperwork is correct. It is imperative that when you are done being in front of the judge, and you walk up to the court assistant who fills out paperwork, you make sure the paperwork is properly filled out. Make sure it states exactly where you are supposed to be taken to. For example, I was to be taken to Work Release, but it was not specified on my paperwork, so I was taken to the “traditional” tent city which did not have Work Release. It was awful, and this happens a LOT. There were people in there who were waiting weeks to be taken to the correct part of Tent City Read more →

Top 10 Myths Surrounding DUI & DUI Law in AZ

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DUI Myths in the State of Arizona

Myth # 1. I will only get stopped for a DUI if I am driving all over the road. FALSE. Officers aren’t just out looking for erratic driving. I would say about half of all people stopped, who ultimately get arrested for DUI, are driving just fine, but their license plate light is out, they forgot to turn on their headlights, they made a wide turn, didn’t use a turn signal, didn’t stop properly for a red traffic signal or stop sign, etc. The truth is, if you are out driving at a certain time of the night, or the early hours of the morning, law enforcement knows that it is likely you are drunk. They will find any reason to stop you, just to see if you truly are driving under the influence. If an officer wants to pull you over, they will find a reason. There is a flaw in Arizona law that says that if an officer “suspects” that you committed a traffic offense, then it is a legitimate stop. That means there doesn’t need to be any actual proof, only the officer’s claim that there was a traffic offense committed. It is no wonder that officers don’t have video cameras operating in their vehicles. Wouldn’t want actual proof to confirm or rebut what an officer says. There was one officer who, interestingly enough, seemed to pull over numerous people for having a license plate light out. Legitimate reason to stop a person, as it is a violation of the Traffic Code, but it is simply amazing that nearly everyone stopped had their license plate out while driving… yet magically it was working after the car stop. Judge would say it was fine, because the officer said the license plate was out while driving, even if it came back on afterwards. Read more →

DUI Do’s and Don’ts in Phoenix

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DUI Do‘s and Don’ts

Driving under the influence is a serious crime that can bring major consequences. However, just because you are arrested doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to be convicted of the crime. In fact, as long as you know what to do and what not to do, you can increase your chances of a successful outcome for your case, which could mean reduced or even dismissed charges.

What You Should Do

If you are pulled over on the pretense of a DUI, there are certain actions you should take to protect yourself. Everyone has the right to not incriminate themselves so make sure you take advantage of that right. First and foremost, you have every right to request speaking with a DUI defense attorney about your case as soon as possible. All you need to do is request to speak to an attorney. Provide the officer with your license and registration as requested. It is never a good idea to deny this information. Instead of the breathalyzer test, ask for a blood test at the hospital for more accurate results. Finally, be sure you are courteous toward the officer. Belligerence will only cause more troubles down the road. Read more →

Second DUI Offense in Arizona

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Second DUI Offense in Arizona

While some people only make the mistake of drinking and driving once, other people, especially those who may struggle with alcoholism or may otherwise be unable to stop drinking, may fall into the same pattern repeatedly. If you are facing a second DUI offense in Arizona, it’s important to know how this process will vary from the first time. This will help you figure out what to do if you are facing these charges for a second time so you can properly prepare and get the help you need to fight the charges.

A Repeat Offender

Once you are cited for a second DUI, you are considered a repeat offender, which creates a new list of potential consequences for your actions. This is particularly true if your first offense occurred less than five years prior. This puts you as a danger to the roadways and prosecutors are much more likely to go after the maximum consequences inn your case. This means you will need the representation of an experienced lawyer on your side. You should contact us as soon as you know you are going to be charged with a second DUI so you can get started on your case right away. Read more →

DUI Costs in Arizona at Arja Shah Law

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What does a DUI Cost in Arizona?

It happens.  People get DUIs everyday.  And if this has happened to you, you’re probably wondering what it’s going to cost you.  Unfortunately, more than you think. Ever hear of an Ignition Interlock Device?   Didn’t think so. And chances are you may not be aware of some of the other costs that go along with cleaning up a DUI charge in Arizona, such as associated legal fees, DUI fines, extra insurance costs, DUI classes, and more.

On average, these costs run into thousands of dollars.  And this doesn’t include if you lose your job because of a DUI charge, or if you’re unable to secure employment because a DUI charge in Arizona goes on your permanent record.  That’s right.  Your permanent record.  That means a DUI charge can follow you around for the rest of your life whenever a background check is required.

What is an Ignition Interlock Device?

If you’re lucky enough, It is possible the judge could order that you pay for the installation of an ignition interlock device so you can still drive. The device costs about $2,000 to install and is wired into your vehicle’s ignition system to work like a Breathalyzer test.  You have to blow into it before you can drive. If alcohol is detected on your breath, the vehicle won’t start.  You may even have to pay a monthly fee for use of this device. Read more →

First DUI Conviction in Phoenix

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First DUI Conviction

When you are charged with a DUI for the first time, it can be a frightening experience. We’re all familiar with ravaging effects of a DUI, but many people think it won’t happen to them or may make a mistake without thinking at all. However, when you have an attorney on your side, you will find getting through the process is easier and less stressful. With the right representation, we may be able to help you get your charges reduced or even dropped altogether. This depends greatly on the details of your case, but a consultation with one of our DUI lawyers can help you determine the best course of action for your defense.

The Potential Consequences

A first DUI comes with specific consequences. While you may not receive all of them, most people who are charged with a DUI will end up facing at least some of them. You could end up receiving up to five years on probation, an ignition locking device, up to six months of alcohol classes, up to six months in jail, fines up to $1,500 and/or a license suspension between six months and three years. These penalties are up to your judge and may be reduced or eliminated with the help of an experienced lawyer. Read more →