Frequently Asked Questions About DUI in Arizona
1) What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest in Arizona?
Act quickly. Save all paperwork, write down what happened while it’s fresh, and contact an Arizona DUI defense lawyer as soon as possible. Arizona DUI cases move fast, and you may have a short deadline to protect your driver’s license through the MVD.
2) How many days do I have to request an MVD hearing in Arizona after a DUI arrest?
In many Arizona DUI cases, you may have 10 days to request an MVD hearing after being served with an Admin Per Se or implied consent suspension notice. Missing the deadline can trigger an automatic license suspension.
3) What is an Admin Per Se license suspension in Arizona?
Admin Per Se is an Arizona MVD process that can suspend your license based on a chemical test result at or above the legal limit, separate from your criminal court case. You can often request a hearing to challenge the suspension.
4) Is the MVD case separate from the criminal DUI case in Arizona?
Yes. The criminal DUI case happens in court, and the license suspension case happens through the Arizona MVD. You can win one and still face consequences in the other, which is why an integrated strategy matters.
5) Can a DUI be dismissed in Arizona?
It depends on the facts and evidence. A DUI may be dismissed or significantly reduced when the defense identifies problems such as an unlawful stop, weak probable cause, unreliable field sobriety tests, or chemical testing errors.
6) Can an Arizona DUI defense lawyer challenge the traffic stop?
Yes. If the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop, key evidence may be suppressed. Defense attorneys look closely at body cam footage, dash cam video, and the officer’s stated reasons for the stop.
7) Are field sobriety tests accurate in Arizona DUI cases?
Field sobriety tests are subjective and can be affected by fatigue, anxiety, injuries, medical conditions, uneven ground, poor lighting, and confusing instructions. A defense lawyer can challenge how tests were administered and scored.
8) Can breath test results be wrong in an Arizona DUI case?
Yes. Breath tests can be impacted by observation period issues, mouth alcohol, calibration/maintenance problems, operator errors, medical conditions, and timing. A defense attorney can request records and challenge reliability.
9) Can blood test results be challenged in Arizona DUI cases?
Yes. Blood evidence can be challenged based on the legality of the draw, chain of custody issues, storage problems, lab procedures, and quality control records. In some cases, retesting may be appropriate.
10) What if I refused a breath or blood test in Arizona?
Refusal can trigger an implied consent license suspension through the MVD. However, refusals are often litigated—especially when there are issues with advisements, confusion, medical inability, or procedure.
11) Will I lose my license for a first-time DUI in Arizona?
Many first-time DUI cases involve potential license consequences, but outcomes vary based on facts, timing, and whether an MVD hearing is requested. An attorney can fight both the MVD and court case to protect driving privileges.
12) How long does a DUI case take in Arizona?
Timelines vary by court, complexity, evidence issues, and motion practice. Some cases resolve quickly; others take longer when defense litigation and negotiations are active.
13) Should I talk to the police about my DUI case after I’m arrested?
It’s usually best to speak with a lawyer before giving additional statements. Post-arrest statements can be used against you, even when you believe you’re being helpful or cooperative.
14) Can I get a DUI in Arizona even if I feel fine to drive?
Yes. Arizona DUI charges can be based on impairment to the slightest degree, or based on alcohol concentration results, depending on the charge type. A defense attorney evaluates whether the evidence actually proves impairment or an unlawful BAC level.
15) How can Aurum Law Group help with an Arizona DUI case?
Aurum Law Group builds a comprehensive defense by challenging the stop, probable cause, field tests, chemical testing, and officer credibility—while also pursuing a targeted Arizona MVD strategy to protect your license and create leverage in the court case.
Arrested for DUI in Arizona? Take Action Now.
If you have been charged with DUI in Arizona, the clock is already running. You may have only 10 days to protect your driver’s license, and critical evidence can disappear quickly.
At Aurum Law Group, Arizona DUI Defense Lawyers, we move immediately. We challenge the stop. We scrutinize the testing. We fight the MVD suspension. And we prepare every case as if it is going to trial.
Your license.
Your record.
Your freedom.
Your future.
These are too important to leave to chance.
We are available 24/7 for free information by phone. In many cases, we can handle your consultation over the phone with no office visit required. Payment plans are available on many DUI cases.
The earlier you involve us, the more options you may have.
Call Aurum Law Group now and start building your defense today.