First Offense DUI Attorney in Phoenix

The regulations surrounding DUI offenses in Arizona are stringent and perplexing for individuals facing their initial charge. As a newcomer to this legal process, it's natural to be filled with questions and apprehensions about the potential impact on your life. Experiencing an arrest for operating a vehicle while intoxicated can be intimidating and anxiety-inducing, particularly for those with no prior DUI convictions. Contacting a skilled DUI lawyer can provide invaluable guidance on the legal avenues available to first-time DUI defendants.

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If you or a loved one faces a DUI charge in Phoenix, we encourage you to contact our attorney at Benikov Law. Attorney Alex Benikov has a wealth of experience handling various DUI situations and is committed to securing a just outcome for your case. Contact us promptly to arrange a free consultation, during which we will help you identify the most suitable course of action.

Arizona First Offense DUI Laws

Under the DUI statutes of Arizona, it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle or be in physical possession of it while being under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Although the legal limit for impairment nationwide is set at .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood, under ARS §28-1381, which outlines the laws pertaining to impaired driving in Arizona, a driver can still be charged with DUI even if they are impaired to the slightest degree.

Here are possible first-offense DUI charges:

Regular DUI: If you are at least 21 in Arizona, you may be charged with DUI if your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is over .08% (for commercial vehicle drivers, the limit is .04%, and for those under 21, the limit is 0.00%).

Aggravated DUI: this is one of the first-offense DUI charges that a person can face in Arizona, and it can be issued if there was a child under the age of 15 in the vehicle at the time of the citation.‍

Extreme or Super-Extreme DUI: These convictions are possible for individuals with elevated levels of blood alcohol concentration or drug content (BADC) and carry harsher penalties.

First Offense DUI Penalties in Arizona

Suppose your blood alcohol test shows a concentration of 0.08% or more (0.04% for a commercial vehicle requiring a commercial driver's license) or no test results are available. In that case, your driving privileges will be immediately revoked.

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You may be eligible for a restricted permit or have your driving privileges reinstated after completing an alcohol or drug screening, which is required before reinstatement.

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The penalties and consequences you may face for a DUI conviction depend on various factors, such as the circumstances in which you were cited and the number of prior DUI offenses on your record.

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Regular DUI Penalties: Under Arizona law, a first-time DUI offense is considered a Class 1 misdemeanor and carries penalties that include:

A minimum of 10 consecutive days in jail.
A fine of no less than $1,250.
Mandatory alcohol screening, education, and treatment.
Installing a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate requires.
Completion of community service hours.

Extreme DUI Penalties: If your blood-alcohol content was .15% or higher, you would be charged with an "extreme DUI." The penalties for a first-offense extreme DUI include the following:

At least 30 consecutive days in jail, without the possibility of probation or a suspended sentence.
A fine of no less than $2,500.
Mandatory alcohol screening, education, and treatment.
Installing a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate requires.
Completion of community service hours.

Aggravated DUI Penalties: Aggravated DUI charges may be filed by prosecutors in certain situations for a first-time DUI offense. One of those circumstances includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol with a minor under 15 in the car. If convicted of an aggravated DUI offense, you will face severe penalties, which may include:

Imprisonment for up to two years.
Mandatory alcohol screening, education, and treatment.
Installing a certified ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate requires.
Completion of community service hours.

Apart from the criminal penalties associated with a DUI conviction, there are administrative consequences for a DUI arrest. For instance, an individual arrested for a first-time DUI offense in Arizona will have their driver's license automatically suspended for 90 days, regardless of whether they are found guilty by a judge or jury.

However, you can challenge the administrative license suspension through a separate legal proceeding.

Why Clients Choose Us

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Contact A Phoenix First-Time Offense DUI Attorney

If you or someone close to you is facing a first-time DUI charge in Phoenix, seeking legal counsel without delay is imperative. By enlisting the services of attorney Alex Benikov, you will partner with a legal representative who has advocated for individuals from diverse backgrounds throughout the Phoenix area.

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We serve the areas of Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler, and other locations around Arizona. Please consider contacting us for a free consultation of your case to help you understand the best options to move forward.

CLIENT REVIEWS

Colin B.

A very intelligent and friendly, professional man to work with. He was hired in referral to me by a family member and all the great reviews are true! He worked hard for me on a case for a reasonable price and ended with the best possible outcome.

Thank you Alex

Richard H.

He is a very confident and thorough lawyer and very helpful and knowledgeable, I would recommend him to anyone in need of legal advice and/or defense

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M V.

Outstanding character, exceptional legal knowledge of Arizona Law and a strong work ethic. Benikov Law will work tirelessly in their representation of their clients. I would never even consider another firm for any legal representation that I require.

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Ryan S.

Very knowledgeable, professional and trustworthy, I wouldn't hesitate to get Benikov on my side!

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Dustin F.

Mr. Benikov is highly professional and understanding of his client's needs. I will continue to use his law firm for all of my legal matters.

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Daniel R.

Mr. Benikov has always been exceptional at making himself available to answer any questions I’ve ever had with legal issues and never turns me away with even the smallest matters and I respect his genuine care for his clients!

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Patricia K.

Mr. Benikov is always professional and will take care of your matters in a professional manner and I would recommend him to anyone. 5 stars!
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Michael G.

Mr. Benikov helped me with a very complicated and dangerous case involving my daughter. He was able to get the case dismissed, for which I'm eternally grateful.

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Jody S.

Alex Benikov and his law firm are definitely my first call. He’s knowledgeable, responsive and is a good lawyer to have in your corner

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CASE RESULTS

Extreme DUI

Case Result: Client found not guilty after jury trial

Client was charged with Extreme DUI after police found him asleep in his car in the parking lot. After long jury trial jury found client not guilty of all counts.

Domestic Violence Assault

Case Result: Client found not guilty at trial

Client was accused of hitting his wife and damaging property. After trial with several witnesses, the client was found not guilty of all charges.

Theft

Case Result: Client found not guilty after jury trial

Client was charged with taking expensive sunglasses. After months of working with prosecutor all charges dismissed when it was shown that clients friend was the responsible party.

Domestic Violence Assault

Case Result: Not guilty of all counts

Client was found not guilty of all counts on domestic violence assault after trial. State had alleged a serious injury to victim. Client was facing jail if convicted.

Threatening and Intimidating

Case Result: All charges dismissed

Client was charged with leaving threatening messages for his ex-girlfriend. After negotiating the matter with the prosecutor all charges against the client were dismissed. The Client was also given shorter domestic violence classes.

Felony DUI

Case Result: Charges reduced to misdemeanor

Client was charged with felony DUI for driving against traffic while impaired. Ultimately the case was reduced to misdemeanor from felony. Client had been facing four months in prison if convicted of felony.

Domestic Violence Criminal Damage

Case Result: Client offered a better plea with no jail at time of trial

Client was charged with damaging property belonging to him and girlfriend. At time of trial the state offered a much better plea than originally offered that included no jail instead of 30 days originally sought.

Super Extreme DUI

Case Result: Charged reduced

Client was charged with super extreme DUI but was offered a plea to regular DUI with much lower jail and lower fines.

Extreme DUI

Case Result: Client found not guilty after bench trial

Chose to have the Judge decide the case for strategic reasons. Judge found the client not guilty of all counts.

Domestic Violence Assault, 5 Counts

Case Result: All charges dismissed at time of trial

Client was facing 120 days in jail. All charges dismissed at time of trial when the state was not able to proceed without needed witnesses.

Extreme DUI

Case Result: Extreme DUI reduced to Regular DUI

The client was had their Extreme DUI reduced to a Regular DUI. Client was facing several weeks in jail.

Aggravated Assault

Case Result: Not Guilty on all counts

City of Mesa - Client was found Not Guilty on an all counts including assault. Client was facing 60 days jail.

Child Endangerment

Case Result: All Charges Dismissed

Mesa City Court - Defendant charged with child endangerment. All charges dismissed at time of trial. Client was facing 60 days in jail.

Child Endangerment

Case Result: Not Guilty after trial.

Scottsdale City Court - Client found not guilty of child endangerment after trial. Client had been facing 15 days in jail.

Marijuana DUI

Case Result: Charges reduced to reckless driving.

Mesa City Court - Client had their charges of a Marijuana related DUI reduced to Reckless Driving in the Mesa City Court.

Standard DUI

Case Result: Charges reduced to reckless driving.

Scottsdale City Court - Client had their charges of a Standard DUI reduced to Reckless Driving in the Scottsdale City Court.

Domestic Violence Charges

Case Result: Not guilty after trial

Mesa City Court - Not guilty after trial on domestic violence disorderly conduct. Client was facing 30 days in jail.

Felony Domestic Violence

Case Result: Reduced to misdemeanor with no jail

Maricopa County Superior Court - Client charged with felony Domestic Violence Disorderly Conduct. Client was facing prison time. Charge reduced to misdemeanor with no jail.

Criminal Defense Lawyer In Phoenix

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3317 E. Bell Road, Suite 101-271, Phoenix, AZ 85032

(602) 428-7537

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Legal Disclaimer:

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. Benikov Law Firm's legal team is licensed to practice law in Arizona. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.