Oro Valley, AZ DUI Lawyer

If you’ve recently been arrested and charged with a DUI, you’re probably experiencing heavy amounts of fear and anxiety over what your future looks like. It is easy to let your mind wander into the worst case scenario for your or for your family. However, hiring an experienced Oro Valley DUI lawyer could increase your odds at a favorable outcome. At Alatorre Law, lead attorney Javier Alatorre handles each case personally, and aggressively prepares to defend you against the state. Call today to schedule a free and confidential consultation where you can become better prepared to face this challenge.

Misdemeanor vs. Felony DUI: What’s The Difference?

In Arizona, most DUI charges are classified as misdemeanors. In certain cases, however, a DUI can be upgraded to a felony charge, or aggravated DUI. In general, a misdemeanor is considered a less serious crime than a felony, but both are still punishable by fines, court-ordered community service, mandatory certified engine interlock device on your vehicle, attendance of alcohol treatment/screening/education courses, license suspension, and jail time. It is also not uncommon for multiple counts of aggravated DUI to be charged to a single arrest.

In Arizona, a DUI is classified as a misdemeanor if:

• It is your first or second offense  and your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is above 0.08% while operating a personal vehicle, or above 0.04% while operating a commercial vehicle
• It is your first or second offense and your BAC is above 0.15% while operating a motor vehicle
• You were under the influence of alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle and you are impaired to the slightest degree

In some cases, a DUI in Arizona may be classified as felony aggravated DUI if:

• You committed a DUI when your license was suspended (class 4)
• You received more than 3 DUIs during a 7-year period (class 4)
• You committed a DUI with a passenger in the vehicle who was under the age of 15 (class 6)
• You committed a DUI when your driving privileges were restricted by an ignition interlock device (class 4)
• You drove the wrong way on a highway while driving under the influence (class 4)

It is important to remember that you have rights, including the right to refuse field sobriety testing. However, due to Arizona’s Implied Consent law, any driver who refuses chemical testing (such as blood, breath, urine, etc.) will have their license suspended 15 days after the arrest, and will remain suspended for one year. Our experienced Oro Valley DUI lawyer can handle your case, even if you refused testing, and work intensively to fight this suspension.

How Can An Oro Valley DUI Lawyer Defend You?

No matter if the DUI charge was classified as a misdemeanor or felony, these are still serious charges which may carry heavy consequences. However, anyone accused of a crime is still innocent until proven guilty, and a solid defense could lead to dropped or reduced charges. Our skilled attorney can first determine if any of your constitutional rights were violated at any time, as this may lead to charges being dropped. Another area in which the experience of legal representation matters is the examination of the results of the field sobriety test or chemical blood, breath, or urine tests. It is not uncommon for some test data to yield “false high” results due to factors which vary with each individual person’s body. As an attorney with a successful track record of defending DUI cases, Javier Alatorre knows where to look for the weak spots in the prosecution’s evidence against you.

Call Alatorre Law TODAY For A Free Consultation!

DUI cases are time sensitive! Our Oro Valley DUI Lawyer, Javier Alatorre, is ready to fight for your rights and your freedom. With over 18 years of experience and a history of successful cases, he has been named a Top 100 Trial Lawyer. He is licensed in both the United States and Mexico, and provides 24/7 access to consult with him over your case and provide clarity to any confusion. Don’t wait, learn your options today!