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

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

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

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