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Arizona Criminal Defense Attorney

Debunking Common Myths About Sobering Up to Prevent DUIs in Arizona

While most people acknowledge the inherent dangers of driving after consuming alcohol, some often believe they can counteract or minimize these effects through various means, especially when misconceptions and myths cloud judgment. However, such beliefs, often based on urban legends or hearsay, can lead to risky decisions with serious consequences. Facing a DUI charge in Arizona can be a nerve-racking experience that carries a lot of uncertainty. With the help of an experienced DUI attorney, you will have a much higher chance of a favorable result.

If you have been charged with a DUI, you need to consult with a DUI attorney at the Nava Law Firm. When working with our law firm, you will have an experienced attorney who will provide an aggressive defense so that you can have the best chance to resolve your case. We offer free consultations to help you determine what your next steps need to be.

Common Myths About Sobering Up to Prevent DUIs

There are common myths that many fall victim to, believing they can somehow outwit the system or magically sober up. Let's debunk these myths and reinforce the importance of responsible behavior when alcohol is involved. Here are some common misconceptions you don’t want to be fooled by: 

1. Eating Your Way Out

  • Myth: Consume a few drinks, eat something, and you're good to drive.
  • Reality: While starting your evening with a hearty meal might slow alcohol absorption, it doesn't nullify the effects of alcohol. No amount of food can make it safe to drive after drinking.

2. Different Drinks, Same Alcohol

  • Myth: Beer or wine impacts you less than spirits.
  • Reality: The alcohol content varies by drink type, but a standard beer has similar alcohol to a standard wine glass or a shot of whiskey. In essence, alcohol remains alcohol, regardless of its source.

3. Coffee Isn't The Magic Sober-Up Potion

  • Myth: Coffee can counteract alcohol effects.
  • Reality: Coffee and its caffeine content do not speed up alcohol metabolism. It won't make you any less drunk or more fit to drive.

4. "Sleeping it off" in the car:

  • Myth: If you sleep in your car after drinking, you won't get a DUI.
  • Reality: Even if you're not driving, just having the keys in the ignition or being in the driver's seat can get you arrested in Arizona for "physical control" of a vehicle while intoxicated.

5. The Mouthwash Misconception

  • Myth: Mouthwash or breath sprays can fool a Breathalyzer.
  • Reality: Not only do these products not lower your blood alcohol content (BAC), but they can also inadvertently raise your BAC readings due to their alcohol content. For instance, some mouthwashes, like Listerine, are around 27% alcohol.

6. The Penny Myth

  • Myth: Keeping pennies in your mouth can deceive a Breathalyzer test.
  • Reality: Metal, including pennies, doesn't alter a breath test's results. The notion that pennies would yield false results so high that they'd be disregarded is a baseless urban legend.

7. Slow and Steady Doesn't Win This Race

  • Myth: Drive slowly, and you'll safely reach home.
  • Reality: Drunken driving remains a risk, irrespective of your speed. Slow driving can also signal to officers that you might be impaired.

8. The Water Fallacy

  • Myth: Drinking lots of water will help you sober up faster.
  • Reality: No amount of water can expedite the rate at which your body processes alcohol. It doesn't reduce your BAC.

9. Sweating it out:

  • Myth: Physical activity like jogging or doing push-ups can speed up the sobering process.
  • Reality: Exercise might make you feel more alert, but it doesn't speed up the metabolism of alcohol in your bloodstream.

10. The Breathalyzer Refusal

  • Myth: You can decline a Breathalyzer test and escape a DUI.
  • Reality: In places like PA, declining chemical testing, regardless of its form, can lead to a year-long suspension of your driving privileges, irrespective of a DUI conviction.

11. Don’t Need a Lawyer Assumption

  • Myth: DUI charges are minor; you don't require legal representation.
  • Reality: An experienced DUI defense attorney is crucial. They can guide you, dissect your case intricacies, and help strategize a rigorous defense.

12. "One drink per hour" rule:

  • Myth: Your body metabolizes one drink per hour, so if you stick to this rate, you won't get drunk.
  • Reality: Many factors influence alcohol metabolism, including weight, gender, and food consumption. Relying on this rule can easily lead to impairment.

Remember, the most foolproof way to avoid DUI troubles is simple: if you drink, don't drive. In the unfortunate event that you face a DUI charge in Phoenix, you need to consult a criminal defense attorney dedicated to safeguarding your rights.

Why Choose The Nava Law Firm For Your DUI Defense?

Driving under the influence (DUI) charges can be daunting and, if not dealt with appropriately, can have lasting consequences on one's personal and professional life. However, having the right legal representative can make a world of difference. Enter the Nava Law Firm in Phoenix, Arizona – your go-to DUI defense strategist with an impeccable record of safeguarding defendants' rights.

Here is why The Nava Law Firm stands out from the others:

  1. A Reliable Track Record: Armando Nava is highly experienced in DUI defense. He's successfully defended hundreds of cases, showcasing his vast expertise and commitment to every client he serves.

  1. Familiarity Across Courts: Whether you're summoned to the Justice, City, or Superior Court, Nava Law Firm's experience spans across all these areas. They are well-equipped to handle the unique intricacies of each court system.

  1. Rigorous Legal Training: It's not just about the number of cases handled but also the depth of knowledge one possesses. Armando Nava has committed to hundreds of hours of specialized legal training, ensuring he remains at the forefront of DUI defense strategies.

  1. Strategic Analysis: One of Nava Law Firm's key strengths lies in its ability to discern the prosecution's weak points. This in-depth knowledge has been instrumental in shaping robust defenses for many of their clients.

  1. Mastery Over Forensic Science: In DUI cases, evidence often pivots on forensic details. Armando Nava's extensive training in forensic science empowers him to challenge, contest, and counter such evidence effectively.

  1. Collaboration with Experts: No lawyer is an island. Recognizing the value of collective expertise, Nava Law Firm collaborates with some of Arizona's best experts, from toxicologists to accident reconstruction specialists, ensuring every aspect of your defense is rock-solid.

Armando Nava believes in the power of personalized attention. He understands that every DUI case is unique and every defendant deserves focused, bespoke defense strategies. His client-centric approach ensures that you're not just another case number; you're an individual whose rights are worth defending.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Phoenix

If you're facing criminal charges in Arizona, it's crucial to consult a skilled criminal defense attorney promptly. By choosing The Nava Law Firm, you're enlisting the services of an attorney with over a decade of expertise in safeguarding the rights of individuals accused of crimes in Arizona. This includes challenging evidence, negotiating plea deals when appropriate, and tenaciously representing your case in court when cases go to trial.

‍Our firm primarily serves the areas of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Glendale and other areas around Arizona. If you are in need of an experienced Criminal Defense attorney in Maricopa County, please contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation.

Armando Nava's Criminal Defense expertise has been featured in the following publications:
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Manuel Vasquez

Armando is best attorney hands down! Awesome ways of communicating with me utilizing multiple forms of communication like his portal/phone/ or text! He also will always try to find the best deals for you possible. Lastly, very resourceful as to who he can verify you with for different services/needs if he’s not able to help you with something!

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Joan Espinoza

If I could give Armando Nava more than a 5 star review I would do it in a heart beat. I have known him for a while now and he is someone I genuinely respect and admire. He is there for you no matter how hard or easy your case is, he does not judge you, and he does everything in his power to make the client satisfied.

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Aramis

I am writing this review almost a year after my charge (that I thought was going to do a year in jail) was dismissed. Armando has been very transparent and always available. I still ask him for legal advice even after my case was finished and he always helps. He will be a great ally for you and has been a dear friend for me.

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PROVEN CASE RESULTS:
DUIDUI DrugsAggravated AssaultTheftResist ArrestDomestic ViolenceMurder
Accusation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
DUI Drugs (Marijuana)
Case Result:
Case Dismissed

A black man was pulled over by Salt River Police Department while visiting from out of town. Despite showing no signs of impairment, the officers arrested him and charged him with DUI Drugs. We investigated the case heavily and interviewed every officer involved. Ultimately, a motion to suppress was filed and granted after an evidentiary hearing before a Judge.

Accusation:
Aggravated Assault w/ a Deadly Weapon
Case Result:
Reduced to a misdemeanor

A man was charged with attacking a family with a knife. After reviewing the evidence, it was determined that the instrument used was not a knife at all. The Grand Jury had been misled, so we filed a motion challenging the grand jury presentation. The prosecutor, confronted with the truth, agreed to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor with no jail time.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Theft of Means of Transportation
Case Result:
Not Guilty after jury trial

A man was out on a walk and was stopped by police because he was in the area of an attempted vehicle theft. The man maintained his innocence, but the owner of the truck identified him as the man he saw attempt to steal it. We worked tirelessly to prepare a defense and get the prosecution to see reason. The State wouldn’t budge, so the case went to trial. After a 4 day trial, the jury took approximately 10 minutes to return a Not Guilty verdict.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Resist Arrest
Case Result:
Dismissed

A client was charged with resist arrest after being targeted by police during the protests of Summer 2020. Our firm developed a strategy with activists and members of the media that led to a dismissal of our client’s case and, eventually, all cases connected to the political prosecution of the protesters.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Accusation:
Assault & Disorderly Conduct – Domestic Violence
Case Result:
Dismissal after Diversion

A woman and her boyfriend were arguing over the cleaning of their apartment. The police were called after things escalated and the woman was arrested. The Mesa City Prosecutors originally wanted the woman to do jail time. After working the case and providing background information, we were able to get the prosecutor to allow the woman to complete classes in exchange for a dismissal.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

We have experience managing violent cases that fall under the categories of murder and manslaughter. Out of respect for all Nava Law Firm clients that fall under this case type, we are not providing any information on our website. If you or a loved one have been charged with one of these serious charges, do not speak to police officers and please contact our firm immediately to get a free consultation.

Actuation:
Second in time DUI
Case Result:
Charge reduced with no jail

Woman was charged with her second DUI within 7 years after being involved in a collision in Scottsdale. Through our investigation, we found multiple mistakes made by the arresting officer. These errors were used      to get the prosecution to reduce the alleged offense to a charge with no jail time.