Phoenix DUI Defense Attorneys

Arizona DUI Court Process

If you are arrested and charged with DUI (driving under the influence) your case will need to be heard in an Arizona court. In addition, you must also attend a MVD Hearing within 15 days of your arrest in order to protect your driving privileges. At Beauchamp Law Office we provide guidance, advice and legal representation for anyone facing DUI. Due to the complexities that surround Arizona law and the court system it is our advice to you that you meet with an experienced Phoenix DUI defense lawyer immediately!

Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or felony DUI offense, if convicted you will receive jail time. However in some instances a DUI defense attorney can have your jail sentence waived by pursuing alternative sentencing. At Beauchamp Law Office we will fight to maintain your freedom by ensuring that your legal rights are protected.  We have been defending DUI defense cases for over 17 years and are well aware of the options that we have to help secure a successful outcome for your DUI case.

The following are what can be expected at both the MVD Hearing and the DUI Criminal Court process in Arizona:

MVD (Motor Vehicle Division) Hearing

You have 15 days from the date of your arrest to schedule an MVD Hearing, which is separate from the actual criminal court hearing. At the MVD Hearing an administrator appointed by the Motor Vehicle Division will review the facts of your case and speak with the law enforcement officials that were present during your arrest. The MVD administrator will then determine whether or not your driver’s license should be suspended. They can suspend your driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days.

DUI Criminal Court Process

When attending DUI criminal court you will first need to appear before a judge. The judge will then review your case and depending on the seriousness of the charges that you face, set a bail amount. During these initial court proceedings you may be able to have your DUI defense lawyer attend on your behalf. Next you will need to attend a preliminary hearing (unless you were already indicted). At this hearing the judge will formally charge you with DUI if there is enough evidence to support the charges against you. You may then be ordered back into custody or will remain free until the pre-trial conference. However, if you are facing aggravated DUI charges, you will be arraigned at Superior Court where you will be able to answer to the charges against you. 

At the pre-trial conference your DUI defense lawyer will be able to negotiate a plea with the prosecution. The final step is the criminal trial. If you are found to be guilty then you will be sentenced following this trial to jail or prison time, severe fines, community service and probation to name a few. If you hire a DUI defense lawyer you may be able to receive alternative sentencing instead, which may include house arrest, counseling and alcohol/drug screening and/or classes.

Beauchamp Law Office

The DUI defense lawyers at Beauchamp Law Office can help you throughout every step of the MVD Hearing and criminal court process. After reviewing the charges against you we can determine if we can ask to have them lowered or dismissed completely. Contact one of our DUI defense attorneys today to schedule a free consultation regarding your DUI case! We help drivers arrested for DUI in and around Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler and Phoenix, Arizona.

Have you been arrested for DUI in Phoenix? Contact an attorney at Beauchamp Law Office today!