Here in Arizona, the justice system can be very strict, especially when it comes to our DUI laws. Because of this, a single mistake on your part – or even a false charge – can have a hugely negative impact on your life. For example, if you have your license taken away from you, you may lose your job because you are unable to get to work. We all know that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs can cause tragic deaths and injuries, and that DUI laws exist to deter drivers from taking that risk. Every benefit of a law must be weighed against its negative consequences, and in order to do that, we need to know whether strict DUI laws have the intended result.
There has been a noticeable decline in DUI-related deaths over the years. For example, roughly 58 percent of the traffic accident-related deaths back in 1983 involved alcohol, a number that dropped to 31 percent in 2013.
Research has shown that states with more lax DUI laws tend to have higher alcohol-related traffic accident deaths. However, the opposite is not true – states with strict DUI laws, such as Arizona, have average fatality rates. In fact, the state of Arizona has arguably the strictest DUI laws, yet it had the 17th highest DUI fatality rate back in 2013.
It turns out that the DUI fatality rate of an area has more to do with population density than it does with how strict the DUI laws are. In other words, our state’s combination of high-density urban areas and the long highways that separate them creates additional risk that lawmakers have attempted to mitigate with draconian DUI laws.
What makes Arizona DUI laws particularly strict? It’s not only the penalties, but also what can be considered grounds for a DUI charge.
A first-time DUI conviction can result in a mandatory ten-day jail sentence, while a second conviction can result in a 90-day jail term. For many people, these sentences can result in the loss of employment, which can greatly impact their lives. Good legal representation can make a huge difference when it comes to seemingly minor charges. If you’re facing DUI charges in Arizona, contact Nava Law today.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
