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Police, Prosecutors, and Judges Take Arizona DUIs Very Seriously
Anyone who has ever been arrested for an Arizona DUI knows that the criminal justice system treats driving under the influence very seriously. Over the years, legislatures across the country have continued to enact stricter penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence, even for first-time offenders.
When someone is arrested for an Arizona DUI, it is often the first time they have faced criminal charges. This can be a very stressful and traumatic experience because defendants rarely know what punishment they could face if they are found guilty, and they often have no idea about how to go about contesting the charges.
While some Arizona DUI cases are best settled before trial, there are a number of cases in which the prosecution cannot meet their burden to establish the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In other cases, police officers overstep their authority by stopping motorists, searching their cars, or asking them to take blood- or breath-tests. The fact is, Arizona DUI charges can be fought, and won, in many cases.
Not all DUI cases can be won, however. And when an Arizona criminal defense attorney’s client is found guilty of DUI, the lawyer’s job is far from over. For the most part, Arizona judges have discretion in how they sentence those found guilty of a DUI. An attorney whose client either pleads guilty or is found guilty will assist in presenting their client in the most favorable light, showing the judge the positive contributions his client has made over the course of their life. This mitigation can often result in more favorable sentences.
Defendant in Fatal Tempe DUI Case Sentenced to 15.5 Years’ Imprisonment
Last month, a man was sentenced to over 15 years in prison after he was found guilty of manslaughter, aggravated assault, and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. According to a recent news report covering the man’s case, the accident took place back in 2016, when the victim was rear-ended by the defendant who traveling at a speed of between 80 – 100 miles per hour. The defendant’s blood was taken after the accident, which revealed that there was alcohol in his system.
Contributing to the defendant’s lengthy sentence was the fact that he picked up another DUI arrest while he was out on bail awaiting sentencing for the 2016 DUI.
Have You Been Arrested for an Arizona DUI?
If you have recently been arrested for an Arizona DUI offense, you should contact Attorney James E. Novak to discuss your case as soon as possible. Arizona DUI offenses are taken very seriously. However, police and prosecutors routinely overstep their authority, and in the process, violate the rights of defendants. Attorney Novak is a dedicated Arizona DUI defense attorney who can assist you aggressively fighting your case or in negotiating with the prosecution in hopes of coming to a fair resolution. To learn more, call 480-413-1499 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with Attorney Novak today.
Additional Resources:
Other Articles of Interest from The Law Office of James Novak’s Phoenix DUI Blog: DUI And No Insurance: What You Should Know, Phoenix DUI Law Blog, May 1, 2018
Nearly 300 DUI Arrests Were Made in Arizona over 4th of July Weekend, Phoenix DUI Law Blog, July 9, 2018
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About James E. Novak
James E. Novak participates in several legal organizations including The Arizona Attorneys For Criminal Justice, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and others.