No matter what your driving record looks like, getting arrested for a Phoenix DUI is stressful. However, if you have several prior DUIs on your record, picking up another DUI can be life-changing. Arizona law provides extremely harsh punishments for those convicted of repeat DUI offenses, so it is essential that you work with a DUI lawyer for multiple DUI offenses in Arizona to ensure your interests are protected.
At the Law Office of Jams E. Novak, our dedicated Phoenix DUI lawyer has more than 25 years of hands-on experience aggressively defending the rights and freedoms of clients charged with multiple driving under the influence offenses. We’ve successfully handled countless DUI cases, including alcohol DUIs, drug DUIs, extreme DUIs and super extreme DUIs, and we know what it takes to ensure your case has as little impact on your future as possible.
If you’re facing charges for multiple DUIs in Arizona, it’s crucial to understand the potential penalties, which increase significantly with each subsequent offense.
First Offense: For your first DUI conviction in Arizona, you can expect a minimum jail term of 24 consecutive hours up to 10 days. Fines and costs start at about $1,480. There’s also a mandatory alcohol education program, and you may face a driver’s license suspension of up to 360 days. Community service could also be required.
Second Offense: If you’re convicted of a second DUI within seven years of the first, the penalties become more severe. You’ll face at least 30 days of jail time, which cannot be reduced. Fines and costs can exceed $3,500. Additionally, your driver’s license could be revoked for one year, and you will need to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle for at least 12 months after your driving privileges are reinstated.
Third Offense: A third DUI offense typically escalates to an Aggravated DUI category. This results in a minimum jail term of 4 months. Fines and legal assessments can amount to over $4,000. A three-year revocation of your driver’s license is standard, and an ignition interlock device is required for 24 months post-reinstatement. You might also face vehicle forfeiture.
Fourth Offense: If you reach a fourth DUI offense, you’re looking at severe penalties under the Aggravated DUI category. This includes a minimum of 8 months in jail. Fines can be quite substantial, often exceeding $5,000. Your driver’s license will be revoked for three years, and vehicle forfeiture is likely. An ignition interlock device installation is mandatory for 24 months following the reinstatement of your driving privileges.
If you’re facing a repeat DUI offense, it’s critical to have a DUI lawyer who regularly handles multiple DUI cases for several reasons:
The Complexity of Your Case: Arizona’s DUI laws are stringent and complex, especially when subsequent offenses are involved.
Negotiation Skills: A DUI lawyer can negotiate with prosecutors to potentially reduce your charges or the severity of your penalties. This is crucial if you’re facing a repeat DUI offense, as the penalties increase significantly.
Protecting Your Rights: A skilled DUI lawyer ensures that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. This includes examining whether your arrest and any evidence against you were lawfully obtained. If so, it could mean that the prosecution has no choice but to withdraw the case against you, eliminating the possibility of a conviction.
Long-Term Consequences: Multiple DUI convictions can have long-lasting effects on your life, including difficulties in finding employment, higher insurance rates, and loss of reputation. A lawyer can argue for outcomes that might mitigate these long-term consequences.
If you are facing a repeat DUI case, don’t take any chances when it comes to the lawyer you select to represent you. At the Law Office of James E. Novak, we have successfully handled countless DUI cases over the past 25 years, giving us unrivaled experience in this highly technical area of the law. Attorney Novak commands an impressive understanding of the best DUI defenses and how to use them to put an end to your case before it even reaches trial. However, as an experienced litigator, Attorney Novak will not hesitate to take your case to trial and will fight on your behalf to secure the best possible result. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation today, call the Law Office of James E. Novak at 480-413-1499. You can also reach us through our secure online contact form.