Katsarelis law logo
Call Us Today (520) 510-0439

Blog

criminal law
September 13, 2022

DUI Defense Lawyer in Tucson, AZ

DUI (driving under the influence) is a severe offense that can have long-lasting effects on your life. If you face DUI charges, it is essential to know what to expect and how best to protect your rights. The best way to fight a DUI charge is to hire an attorney. The reason for this is that attorneys are trained in the law and are familiar with the techniques used by prosecutors to get convictions. A DUI defense attorney will help you understand your rights, find weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and protect your interests throughout the legal process. An attorney can also help you avoid mistakes that could lead to more severe penalties.

What to Expect When Facing a DUI Charge in Tucson

To start, here's what you can expect when you are pulled over:

The officer will ask you to step out of your vehicle and ask if you've been drinking. If you say yes, they will ask how much you've had to drink and if you've been driving under alcohol or drugs. The officer may ask if they can administer a breathalyzer test, which would determine your blood alcohol level at that moment. It would help if you declined unless the officer had a warrant (which is rare). If you refuse, your license could be suspended for one year.

You will also be asked to take several field sobriety tests, including:

  • Walking heel-to-toe without stumbling
  • Standing on one leg for 30 seconds
  • Touching your nose
  • Counting backward from 100 by 7
  • Reciting the alphabet backward

If you are arrested for a DUI in Arizona, several steps need to be taken before your case goes before a judge. These steps include:

  • You will be arrested by law enforcement officers and taken into custody at the police station. Once there, officers will conduct field sobriety tests and may ask you to take a breathalyzer test to determine if you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of driving.
  • You will then be transported to jail, where the booking process begins. During this time, officers will collect evidence such as DNA samples and fingerprints from both you and your vehicle before releasing you back into society with an appearance date for court proceedings set by a judge or magistrate who will preside over your hearing once all evidence has been collected through field sobriety tests.

Many aspects go into a DUI charge. The most common DUI charges are:

  • Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). This is the most common type of DUI charge. It involves being impaired by alcohol or drugs while driving.
  • Driving with blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more. This is a less serious offense than a DUI, but it still carries significant penalties if convicted.
  • Driving while impaired (DWI). This applies when you have any measurable amount of drugs in your system that affects your ability to drive safely.
  • Operating under the influence (OUI). This applies when you have any measurable amount of drugs in your system that affects your ability to drive safely, even if it's below the legal limit for BAC or other impairment tests.

Contact Us Today

it is important to have a qualified and skilled DUI defense attorney when you are charged with driving under the influence. Katsarelis law PLLC is one of the best criminal defense law firms in Tucson. Call us today at 520-510-043 or send an email to [email protected] to schedule your appointment with one of our attorneys.

Free consultation

Contact Us Today! GET A FREE CONSULTATION

Don’t know where to start yet? It is necessary to find yourself a highly experienced criminal defense lawyer who will help you navigate through better. Speaking with an experienced assault attorney will explain to you the available options and assist you in getting the best possible outcome.

For any charges that need an attorney to help, reach us on 520-510-0439, 177 North Church Avenue, Suite 600, or send us a mail at [email protected]. Our crime attorneys in Arizona and Tucson are dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcomes in their cases. We do this by negotiating with the government, preparing for trial, and litigating motions to suppress evidence. Assault is a serious crime that could result in jail time and other penalties. Let us help you avoid these consequences as much as possible.

    Disclaimer: Attorney Advertising. This information is designed for general information only.

    Katsarelis Law, PLLC | Copyright 2023. All Rights Reserved | Accessibility Statement